Jeremiah 1:4-19; 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13; Luke 4:31-44

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I’ve never wanted to be a bother to anyone. I think the same can be said for most people. Whenever we have a problem that we face, we go through this inner dilemma about whether to ask for help or not. It’s not hard to imagine that most of us think our problems are small or insignificant compared to what we think “most people” face. Or on the other end, if we think our problems too large and difficult, we won’t ask either because we’ve given into the belief that no one is able to help us. 

As much as we do this with people, we do it even more so with God. Whether we admit it or not, I think many Christians think of God as their last resort. We try to headstrong our way through our challenges, and when that doesn’t work, we *might* ask someone else for help. And when we’ve exhausted our friends and family with asking, THEN we might finally turn to God. For it all comes down to the feeling, “I don’t want to be a bother to anyone,” even God.

We see a whole different story when we look at our Gospel lesson this week. Jesus had just preached in his hometown and been rejected by his family. After this, he goes and preaches in Capernaum where he encounters a man who is demon-possessed (Luke 4:33). After Jesus commands the demon to leave this man, the demon listens and the people are amazed. “And they were all amazed and said to one another, ‘What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” Luke 4:36. We see again the power and authority of Jesus over our world and over demons.

Sometimes, I think we hear these stories and think, “These are the lucky ones who are graced by his presence, but I’m a nobody. Jesus wouldn’t want to be bothered by me.” I imagine it almost like the red carpet. All the celebrities and big names are out of reach and we’re all stuck on the other side of the barrier. Jesus would be just like them, we think. He wouldn’t want to be bothered by someone on this side of the barrier. His job, his work is too important or holy to deal with menial challenges like ours.

It’s not that way at all, though. For after casting out the demon, Jesus goes to Simon’s (Peter) house and heals his mother-in-law of a fever (Luke 4:39). Jesus allows himself to be bothered by all those who were sick or ill in ANY way. “Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them,” Luke 4:40. Not only does Jesus heal them, but he goes so far as to touch each one. Jesus wants to be bothered by our problems. Jesus wants us to come to him with whatever afflicts us. There’s no problem too small for our Lord, nor is there a challenge so large that he can’t help us. Jesus goes to the cross to care for all our problems both big and small. He gives us salvation, forgives our sins, but also desires to hear your every word. So, take your troubles to Jesus that he may so touch you with his grace and mercy to show you just how much he cares for you!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!