Offended? or Blessed?
Scripture reading for April 20th: Matthew 11, Psalm 79, Proverbs 17
Matthew 11: 2-6 “Now when John (the Baptist) heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the One Who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by Me.”
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod for speaking truth to him concerning his immoral behavior. After baptizing Jesus and hearing God speak, his faith is now wavering. He sends his disciples to Jesus and asks for confirmation that Jesus is Messiah. Jesus sends back a report of miraculous deeds: “blind are healed and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and deaf hear, and even dead are resurrected and good news is preached to the poor.” Jesus last statement to John concerned offense against Jesus. Jealousy often brings offense. All glory must go to God and thankfulness for whatever part God allows us to play.
Psalm 79:13 “But we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give thanks to You forever; from generation to generation we will recount Your praise.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for men of integrity like John the Baptist who fearlessly preach Your Word and live uncompromising lives of faith and holiness. Thank You for Your compassion for our weaknesses in the flesh and sometimes wavering faith. I praise You for Your amazing care and guidance in the paths of righteousness You lay out for me. May I never be offended by You but confess You daily before men.
Proverbs 17:24 “The discerning sets his face towards wisdom, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.”
0 thoughts on “Offended? or Blessed?”