19 December 2019 – Matthew ‬11:2-6 (NIV)

19 December 2019 – Matthew ‬11:2-6 (NIV)

Scripture

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Reflection

John the Baptist was committed to calling out sin and calling people to repentance in preparation for the Savior of the world (Messiah) that the prophets had proclaimed would come.  When he saw Jesus, he recognized Him as the one, baptized Him, and even got to hear God identify Jesus as His son who He loved and was well pleased.  So despite knowing who Jesus was, perhaps even he had doubts about whether Jesus was willing and capable of saving the world, and save him from his prison sentence.  John kept it real for us… even the strong and faithful have their weak moments.

Jesus’ response to John’s question reflects how He understands what John needs in that moment.  Jesus gives an affirmation that John’s faith is not in vain, that He is the one that God has sent because He is fulfilling the prophecies of the events and miracles (and John would this) that would happen when the Messiah came are being fulfilled (“The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”) And Jesus exhorts John not to falter or fall in his faith, John would be blessed for keeping his hope on Him.

And so it is with us.  We trust God, but sometimes we have moments when we falter and struggle, because we are having a tough time.  Know that Jesus does not condemn us during these moments, rather He knows what we need to hear to be encouraged in our faith.  It is okay to admit like John did that we need God to remind us again of who He is, and that our hope and faith in him will be fruitful.  He will always answer the sincere ones who are trying to keep their faith in Him, He will affirm Himself in a way they understand.

Thoughts for the day

  • If you might have lost sight of God and need Him to remind you of who He is and who you are to Him, go ahead and ask!
  • Who can you pray for that God will touch and lift up his/her spirit today?

Prayer

Dear God and heavenly father, I know that I know who you are.  But I also know that sometimes I lose sight of you.  Remind me Lord of who you are and our relationship.  Help me tend to my spiritual fire.  Help me see who you want me to encourage and also pray for, so that they may recapture their vision of you and be reminded of your love. Amen.

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By |2019-12-13T09:41:59+08:00December 19th, 2019|Categories: Week 3|Comments Off on 19 December 2019 – Matthew ‬11:2-6 (NIV)

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Sandy is from Singapore and has been working in China since 2005. She joined SCF in 2008 when she moved to Shanghai and is part of Manna Xintiandi.