TRUE HAPPINESS

After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. “The right time has come,” He said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News! ”   

His courteous behavior, humility and a speech filled with knowledge drew every soul to Him except those few whose behavior was laden with jealousy and ego. It’s a genuine truth throughout the Gospel that those who gathered to meet and listen to Jesus, were attracted towards Him.

Let’s take the example of Nathanael.

Nathanael on meeting Jesus for the first time exclaimed, “You are the Son of God.”  Jesus said, “Yes, you believe in Me, and you will see greater things.”  The spark of knowledge from Christ enlightens the one who met Him, encourages them to speak the truth confidently and fearlessly as  Joy of the truth overflows from their heart.

Let us today review how Lord Jesus called His disciples and their response to His call.

“As Lord Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, He saw two brothers who were fishermen, Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew, catching fish in the lake with a net.  Jesus said to them, “Come with Me, and I will teach you to catch men.”  At once they left their nets and went with Him.

 He went on and saw two other brothers James and John, the sons of Zebedee.  They were in their boat with their father Zebedee, getting their nets ready.  Jesus called them, and at once they left the boat and their father and went with him.    (Matt 4)

As He walked along, He saw a tax collector, Levi, son of Alphaeus sitting in his office.  Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”  Levi got up and followed him. (Mark 2)

We can observe the great obedience of those poor people. On receiving the call, forgetting themselves, they humbly obeyed Jesus who called them and set out to follow Him. Nothing stopped them; not even the thoughts of their family and future could restrain them.

Jesus went all over Galilee as a great light, comfort and a new life to those who lived in dark land of death.  Soon He became well known by all and large crowds followed Him from different towns.  He sat on a hill top and began to teach them in a friendly way regarding the true joy of the Kingdom.

“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;

The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them!

“Happy are those who mourn;

God will comfort them!

“Happy are those who are humble;

They will receive what God has promised!

“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;

God will satisfy them fully!

“Happy are those who are merciful to others;

God will be merciful to them!

“Happy are the pure in heart;

They will see God!

“Happy are those who work for peace;

God will call them His children!

“Happy are those who are persecuted because

they do what God requires;

The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them!

Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are My followers. Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.

No one can deny how great is the secret of our religion:

He appeared in human form,

Was shown to be right by the Spirit,

and was seen by angels.

He was preached among the nations,

was believed in throughout the world,

and was taken up to Heaven.

(1 Timothy 3:16)