Jesus was in the synagogue in Nazareth and spoke about the work of the Lord in those days, but the people looked at Him with suspicion. The Master knew their thoughts; then, through His teaching, they understood that they shouldn’t doubt Him. After all, without the eyes of faith, they would receive nothing from God. Later, they became angry with the words of Jesus, but they were the truth, and the Savior only wanted to warn them.

They remembered the day when Elijah, after rebuking Ahab, had to shut the sky because of the king of Samaria's unbelief. The prophet informed the monarch that there would be no rain or dew in those years until he himself authorized the weather to change (1 Kings 17:1). Ahab did not believe the servant of God, and Elijah went away. The days would reveal the truth, and thus more than three years passed without rain (James 5:17).

The result of the drought was not only the severe famine in the Northern Kingdom but also the consequences of the lack of planting and harvesting. Thus, the king ordered searches for Elijah everyplace (1 Kings 18:10), for he had concluded that the prophet was responsible for the chaotic situation in that nation. The man of God was hunted down in the hope that he would help them in that crisis. The anointing spoke louder!

An obedient person to the Lord receives authority over all things until the divine will is done. Jesus could heal all the people of Nazareth if they opened their hearts to hear the Word. Today, we are members of the Body of Christ, therefore, being under the command of the Most High, we can decree what He authorizes us to. Watch, pray, and believe!

Jesus drew the attention of those people for not respecting and keeping the Lord's ordinances. If they did nothing with the faith that had been given to them, the loss would be theirs. According to the Master, there were many widows in the days of the prophet Elijah on Earth, but none of them truly believed in the Most High. However, the widow of Zarephath was a faithful servant of God, fought until the end, and was answered (1 Kings 17:8-16).

Perhaps the other widows had not realized that the Most High could multiply their food or perform wonders in their lives. However, if they did not believe in Him, they would receive nothing. It doesn't matter how long you have been without bread or other food; the biblical principle is that you must put your faith into action to be answered. After all, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Be blessed!

Jesus provided healing for every sick person, but in some churches, pastors claim that the days of miracles are over. But the Bible declares: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13.8). He does the same today through our ministering in His Name. We are responsible for His work!

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares