Today’s scripture: Luke 9:7-9 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
President and First Lady Adopt Space Alien Baby; Raise It in the White House.
Honestly, I read this headline on the of those supermarket checkout “rag sheets” some time ago; undoubtedly a contender for the most outrageous gossip story of all time. But gossip, hearsay, and rumors ran wild even in biblical times, as today’s reading illustrates.
The fact that Jesus performed an array of stunning miracles is never called into question in our previous readings of Luke. However, the question of “Who is this person who performs these miracles?” opened up a floodgate of answers which certainly got the rumor mill revved up into high gear (v8).
King Herod took notice (“he was perplexed”) and apparently began to give at least some serious thought as to the true identity of this Jesus person. In today’s lingo, we might say Herod had possibly become a “seeker.”
What?! The same king who’d earlier had John beheaded suddenly does an about face with his spiritual life? It seems the king may have at least begun a spiritual journey. The verse states a simple fact: “…he desired to see him,” (v9, KJV) without mentioning any intent of malice.
Thought for the day: King Herod is an example that “I’m not good enough” is no reason to keep from checking out who Jesus is. And what you find may surprise you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.