Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

‭‭–Parallel Verses:
II Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭5‬
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Fishing is a fun past time for many and an occupation for some. There are typically three methods of sport fishing: fly fishing, using lures, and using bait. I understand from a sheer hunger standpoint why fish try and eat flies or bait. But lures, this is something altogether different. These are things you simply cannot digest. But it is the attraction of “The Bright Shiny” lure that promises something exciting for the fish. They must get entranced a bit in the pursuit of The Bright Shiny.

Jesus was recognized by many as having authority from God. And early in his ministry, he was a bit of an anomaly. Where did he come from? Where did he get his training from? His messages were sharp with the truth and filled with love for his common man. In essence, he was the most popular speaker on the speaking circuit. Then, later, this all changed. The people, led by their leaders, turned on him.

This reminds me of the passage in Timothy. Paul tells Timothy (actually he tells him forcibly by giving him a “charge”) 1) to preach the Word of God. And to do this “in and out of season”. This means when you are popular for it and when you are persecuted for it. He tells him to 2) correct, rebuke, and encourage, and to do this with patience and care. And he tells him to 3) keep his head, endure hardship, and evangelize! How will Timothy not get distracted or taken off course? Paul gives him the method for this, as well. Stay focused on your overall life mission as an evangelist (proclaimer of God’s good news) and to focus on the duties of the ministry. The latter is a daily focus and the former a heart focus. We must have both headed towards Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Praise you, Jesus, for your passion to share the good news with the lost in this world. To help them see God. You let this passion override the temptation to say what always pleases others (The Bright Shiny). In our life with you, I must speak the truth in love, in and out of season. Give me the wisdom and strength to accomplish this.