I’ve relocated more than once for the sake of ministry.

Even today, some of my possessions are still boxed up and awaiting a future reorganization.

The whole process of changing residences is kind of unsettling. It causes me to realize that I have a habit of holding on to way more stuff than I actually need. In the moving preparation and purging of personal belongings, I’ve learned that too many possessions can stop up the flow of living.

This is an excellent time to pause and consider these questions. Where do you live? Do you need to move?

I’ve actually lived in a small number of places. I was born in Pueblo, Colorado. I was raised as a child in Jacksonville, Florida. After leaving the east coast, the days of my youth were spent living in various places in northeast Alabama: Gadsden, Atalla, Cedar Bluff.

After marriage, we remained in northeast Alabama: Cedar Bluff, Piedmont, and Jacksonville. For about seven years, we maintained a residence in Griffin, Georgia.

What about now? We now reside in the greater Pensacola, Florida area. By God’s grace, we’re experiencing contentment in Cantonment.

Where do you live? Do you need to move?

Let’s think about these more figuratively. Where you live spiritually is much more important than your physical address.

In Luke’s Gospel, we learn that Jesus experienced two different responses in two different towns. Pause and read the text by clicking this link.

Nazareth was resistant to Jesus. Capernaum was responsive to Him. You and I live in one of these two places.

First, we find Jesus in Nazareth. The people of Nazareth were familiar with Him, and alas, they allowed their familiarity with Joseph’s son to hurt them. They couldn’t get past their familiarity, which caused them to be faithless. This lack of faith quickly turned into frustration, and they wanted to throw Jesus off a cliff.

The people of Nazareth were resistant to the Son of God.

One of the saddest verses in the Bible is actually spoken about Nazareth. Matthew records, “And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief” (13:58).

Then, Luke records that Jesus traveled on to Capernaum. The people here had a different response. They were astonished at His teachings. With great respect for His doctrine, they soon began to experience His miracle-working power. By His authority, unclean spirits were cast out of people, and many sick people were healed.

The people of Capernaum were receptive to the Son of God.

Where do you live today? Are you more like a resident of Nazareth? Or are you more like a resident of Capernaum?

Have you grown resistant to the miracle-working power of God? Maybe you’ve known Jesus for a long time, and you’ve just allowed your familiarity to weaken your faith. There’s no need to act in frustration. You just need to move. Purge the unbelief out of your heart and go on with Jesus to Capernaum.

Are you receptive to the power of the Son of God and His Word? Then get ready to witness the miracle-working power of God in your life.

Do you need to move?

I know where I want to live. I want to live in a constant state of receptivity so that I can believe and receive all that God has for me.