How To Become Famous

Read Luke 4

Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and
news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.
(Luke 4:14)

Thoughts… It seems that the god of our age is fame. People would do just about anything for their fifteen minutes of it. Just watch any one of the fifty reality shows that you can now choose from on any given night, or even the evening news, and you will see a half dozen goofballs pushing their mugs into the camera or offering their mindless drivel on a talk show just to get their shot at being in the spotlight. And, unfortunately, we have a mindless media that is all too happy to oblige these fame seekers.

People want to be famous, but for all the wrong reasons. Fame itself isn’t bad, but there is a better way to achieve it. Just notice how Jesus attained fame in Luke 4.

The setting for this chapter is the launching of Jesus’ public ministry. He has been baptized in the Jordan—and in the Spirit (Luke 3:21-22), and he has been tempted by the devil (Luke 4:1-13).

Now he launches his ministry as Israel’s Messiah in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14) by going into their synagogues to teach the Word, heal the sick, and deliver those oppressed by demonic spirits. And we are told that everywhere he goes people are simply and utterly amazed by him:

“News about him spread through the whole countryside.” (Verse 14)

“He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.” (Verse 15)

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips.” (Verse 22)

“They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.” (Verse 32)

“All the people were amazed and said to each other, ‘What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!’” (Verse 36)

“And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.” (Verse 37)

How did Jesus become famous? He was full of the Spirit’s power and overflowing with God’s grace! That is probably not what you were expecting, but it is the best way to attain the kind of fame that really counts. Allow the Spirit to empower you and then just go about your day exuding the grace of God in every circumstance.

We live in such a graceless world that when one of God’s servants spreads a little Divine grace around, people notice.

Do that enough, and people will begin to talk about you too!

Prayer… Lord, if fame ever comes my way, may it be because I am full of your Spirit and overflowing with your grace.

One More Thing… “Grace is but Glory begun, and Glory is but Grace perfected.” —Jonathan Edwards