Me and my house

Gaius has an encounter with Jesus, and everything changes. With full confidence, he approaches Jesus and asks for help. In Matthew 8, his words are simple: “Just say the word, Lord.” Jesus is amazed by his faith, and before Gaius even returns home, his son is already healed.

The scene where he enters his house after meeting Jesus is powerful. Before seeing the miracle with his own eyes, he blows out the candles in his small idol shrines. They belong to another time. From that moment on, he turns his heart toward the one true God.

His two healthy boys run to meet him, and his wife clearly recognizes that Gaius has changed. Gaius introduces a new word into his home, Shalom, and the blessing of newfound peace is tangible.

Generations earlier, Joshua stood before the people of Israel and declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

A different time and situation, but Gaius' choice is reflected in these words. We choose God. We choose His ways. And we will serve Him alone.

Gaius made that choice. Joshua did too. And throughout history, countless others have chosen the Lord with the same courageous clarity.

This story invites believers to look inward. What candles are still burning in our lives? What little “shrines” have we built around things we trust more than Jesus? What would it look like to blow those out and say, “I choose the Lord”?

Shalom enters a home when Jesus becomes its center.

What do you choose?

Reflection Questions

• In what areas of your life do you find it hard to fully trust Jesus?
• What “idols” — habits, fears, or false sources of security — is Jesus calling you to release?
• What place does Shalom have in your life?

Prayer

Lord, You are the Prince of Shalom. You live, and You reign with all power. Show me where I still rely on things other than You. Give me a devoted and simple heart that trusts in You alone. As for me and my house, we will serve You, Lord. Amen.

Next Steps

This Reading Plan was created by Alongsiders Europe, a discipleship movement, in partnership with OneHope and Jesus.net.

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