“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up… Then He went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee…” Luke 4:16, 31

Putting Down Roots in Capernaum

Walk His Way Revisited

Some time ago the Lord brought about a wonderful victory in my life. I overcame lifelong fears and the paralyzing mindset that there were certain things impossible for me to ever accomplish. He overcame, and I remember vividly the hour and the day of my deliverance. I felt so free, so empowered, and so loved. Great was my joy and great was my gratitude.

And yet, every time this situation arises I find myself fighting the same old battle, listening to the same dark lies, and allowing myself to be demeaned and undone.

There was a time Jesus was raised as a child in Nazareth. He ran in dusty streets. He played games among His friends, did chores, and had boyhood adventures. But He became a man and left childish things behind. He obediently stepped into the ministry the Father had for Him. He was the Son of God. He was the Light of the World. He was Savior and Redeemer. He knew who He was.

The townsfolk of Nazareth could not seem to let go of the image of the little boy they had watched grow up before their eyes. He was rejected in His hometown. Who did this Jesus think He was?! Jesus could do little in Nazareth because they held in their minds an image of Him that was no longer true. They didn’t realize who He was. They were stuck in an ill-informed conclusion.

Jesus presented the gospel plainly, but when unbelief crippled the ability to exercise a living faith, He left Nazareth in the rear view mirror. He moved to Capernaum. “…and leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt at Capernaum” (Matthew 4:13).

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:17). What happened in Capernaum was ministry. What happened in Capernaum was healing. What happened in Capernaum was salvation. Jesus moved in an atmosphere of faith. His words and His works were received in Capernaum.

For myself, I need to leave Nazareth behind and make my move to Capernaum. I need to move in the truth of who He has told me I am. The battle is already won. Truth has triumphed over lies. If you find yourself going over the same misconceived ideas of who you are that you hear from your Nazareth past, you may need a fresh perspective in Capernaum. I hear it’s lovely this time of year.

Father, I choose to believe You have made me anew. I will move in the knowledge of who I am in Your eyes. I will not stay stuck or let misguided opinions defeat me (even my own). Thank You for Your good and holy work in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.