“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.” Luke 4.14-15
When Jesus returned from the desert of temptation, testing, and fasting, he was not haggard. He was not downcast, weary, beaten up, or distraught. Jesus did not come back “church hurt” because someone in the congregation hurt his feelings. He came back victorious. His head was up, his shoulders back; I imagine a smile was on his face, and his eyes were gleaming because he had overcome the devil and temptation, and the Spirit was upon him with power.
Did you hear those last words? Verse 14 tells us, “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit” (emphasis added). He came back victorious. And news spread all over about him, and he returned “teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.” Jesus came back from the second most difficult time in his life victorious, filled with God’s Spirit, and confident of his Father’s calling upon his life.
Seldom do I return like Jesus did from the desert. Sometimes, perhaps, after a camp or retreat when I truly met with God, I will return in glory, confident and gleeful, but more often than not, I allow the flesh to take over and assume weariness of the body is weariness of the Spirit. But not Jesus! He came back beaming, walking tall, with a confidence that only God could imbue.
I wonder if we shouldn’t approach every day like this—every day in which we walk in hope as Christ did upon his return from the desert. Why? Because we know the rest of the story! We know that Christ overcame sin and death and defeated the cross. He rose again. We do not mourn like those without hope! Christ has the victory. Even when bad news comes our way—difficulties and war, struggles and sin—we walk in confidence because we know this life is not the end.
We have the hope of heaven. Eternal life is the next step, and the Kingdom of God is among us. We can approach today with eyes lifted, trusting in Christ our Savior, seeking to find truth and hope in God alone.
Have you found that hope? Have you given your life to Christ? Have you received the Holy Spirit? What are you waiting for? Turn to Jesus this moment and allow the hope of his return to fill your heart with grace, love, and peace.
“O Lord God, you are good and faithful. Come now, Holy Spirit, make me one with you. In this life, we will have trouble, but you have overcome the world. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen