What Jesus Did! 'Fear and Praise' — Luke 7:16-17

Sunday, April 26, 2015

All the people were filled with fear. They began praising God and said, "A great prophet has come to us!" And they said, "God is taking care of his people." This news about Jesus spread into all Judea and into all the places around there.
— Luke 7:16-17 NLT
Illustration of Luke 7:16-17 NLT — "A great prophet has come to us!" —— "God is taking care of his people."

Key Thought

Talk about a mind-blowing experience: seeing this dead boy raised from the dead was unbelievable. Naturally, there was a holy fear of Jesus and his power by those who witnessed this event. They recognized that this was not a trick, but the power and presence of God himself on display. Praise and confession of God's greatness were the proper responses to such an event. They realized they were seeing the work and care of God. They also felt it was important to share this news with others. Holy fear, praise, recognition of God's greatness, and evangelism are the proper responses they bring. These must also be our responses to the mighty work of God in our times.

Today's Prayer

Give me the eyes of faith, O holy God, to see and the spiritual discernment to know how best to honor and praise you for your great acts of blessing, mercy, and grace. You are holy God, so teach me reverence. You are concerned and involved with my daily wounds and struggles, so teach me discernment so that I can better see your hand at work. As you show your presence in my life, use me to help spread the story of your grace and deliverance to others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 1:14-18
  • 1 John 1:1-4
  • Luke 24:47-48

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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