2023_11_29 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Jeremiah 33, Mark 1, Isaiah 42, Acts 2
Those who follow American football know that a quarterback comes to the offensive line of scrimmage with a play given to his players in the huddle. As he sees how the opponent is setting up, the quarterback may change the original play by calling an “audible” – a series of commands that his players recognize as a change of plan. God also calls audibles, and it is imperative that we are ready and listening. Jesus shows us how in our reading this week. In Mark 1 we see Jesus working in the town of Capernaum. He healed Simon’s (Peter) mother-in-law, and when news spread, we read, “That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. 33 The whole town gathered at the door to watch. 34 So Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and he cast out many demons” (Mark 1:32-34 NLT). At this point the people all want Him to make Capernaum His home base. He is loved and respected, and there is so much good that needs to be done, but soon after we read this, “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. 36 Later Simon and the others went out to find him. 37 When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.” (Mark 1:35-38 NLT)
The crowd wants Him to stay, and His disciples see the great opportunity to build a strong ministry base in Capernaum, but Jesus sees something else, and He calls an audible after spending time in prayer and reflection with His Father.
I wonder how often God has a plan for us and we miss it because instead of humbly asking for His direction, we make assumptions. If things are going well, why mess with it? If our family or friends want us to do something we can easily give in to their expectations. A good way to prevent missing God’s direction is to regularly check in with Him and simply ask as Jesus did early that morning. If we are on the right path we have nothing to lose, and if God wants us to make a change, we will be ready to respond. Proverbs 3:5-7 is a solid guide in making God-honoring decisions,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”
Proverbs 3:5–7 (NLT)
Sometimes God will call an audible, and when He does, all He asks is that we listen and follow.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor