1/18/23 weekly devotion (Weeklies) originated by Charles L. Robinson Jr. of Edifying Christian Publications. The bible says" Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me". This is an instruction to diligently look at scriptures to see what scriptures say and gain understanding extracted from scriptures that are applicable to lives (example, in this John 5:39, the extracted principle of eternal life through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.) ECP family, I want to take this same principle: search scriptures and gain understanding of extracted principles that are applicable to lives yet in a different context within the different pericope of Luke 8:22-25. In other words, Luke 8:22-25 piggybacking John 5:39. The pericope of Luke 8:22-25 liken to a treasure chest and the extracted principles within the pericope liken to treasures inside the treasure chest.
Treasure chest- pericope verse 22: "Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth".
Treasures - extracted principles within pericope verse 22: Particular occurrences are not always subject to an identified time in spiritual relationships. This pericope does not identify the disciples knowing the exact day they would travel on a ship with Jesus and the disciples were prepared for Jesus offer to travel; Initiative and transparency towards desires within spiritual relationships. Jesus took the initiative and was transparent to his disciples regarding his desire for his disciples to go with him; Physical presence in spiritual relationships is appropriate-effective presence at times. Jesus was physically with his disciples in this pericope whereas in other pericopes Jesus sent them (on a ship) by themselves. Jesus understood that "balance within presence" is wise and effective; and, action follows occurrence, presence, initiative, and transparency.
Treasure chest - pericope verse 23-24: "But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and woke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm".
Treasures - extracted principles within verse 23-24: Understanding roles within spiritual relationships. There was a time on the ship for Jesus to be inactive (asleep) and there was a time for Jesus to be active (awake) on the ship amongst his disciples; there was a time for the disciples to take the lead on the ship (while Jesus was asleep on the ship) and there was a time for the disciples to sit and listen (while Jesus was awake on the ship.); Unpeaceful settings present themselves to spiritual relationships. The storm presented an unpeaceful setting amongst Jesus and his disciples; Unprepared does not mean helpless. When the disciples shown to be unprepared for the storm, all they had to do was to call on Jesus, their help; Jesus resolved the disciples being startled before he responded to them regarding their response to the storm. Jesus shows care for the condition of his disciples first and foremost (in the storm.)
Treasure chest - pericope verse 25: "And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him"
Treasures - extracted principles within verse 25: (Jesus) Accountability within spiritual relationships. Jesus held his disciples accountable. He asked his disciples, where was their faith? Jesus knew they had a measure of faith. It's recorded in another gospel (Matthew) that he referred to them having little faith. He held them accountable regarding the use of their equipment (faith.) They forgot to bring their equipment on the ship; Acknowledge spiritual gifts within spiritual relationships. Again, Jesus acknowledged the disciples faith, he simply questions where is it and has acknowledged the measure of it in other biblical recording (specifically before Pentecost.) The disciples not only acknowledged their co-laborer and Lord and Savior's spiritual gift of faith, they marveled over his (Jesus)spiritual gift of faith.
Availability; Readiness; Response; Initiative; Transparency; Balance of presence; Action; Care; Help in unpeaceful times; Accountability; and, acknowledgement of each others spiritual gifts are treasures for your spiritual relationships. Search for them, embrace them, and keep them.
God bless you and your families, in the name of Jesus.