Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Sermon for 12/18/13 "Blessed Is the One" Matthew 11


We’re all ready to follow a miracle worker.
 like signs of power
 like things that are amazing
 Wouldn’t you like to have a mighty leader who could do all sorts of miracles?
 healing for blind and lame, lepers, deaf, dead, poor

What does Jesus do for the poor?
 not money
 promises that have to wait
 may suffer hunger, thirst, weakness, scorn

What is the good news here?

Matthew 11:6 (ESV) “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Jesus does good on his own terms.
 heals the one he chooses to heal
 feeds the one he chooses to feed
 brings us to be with him in our eternal home when he wants to, not before or after
 some he gives earthly life, some he does not

Is this offensive? Why would a good God act like that?
This is the same Lord who melts the hills and breaks rocks in his anger in Nahum chapter 1.
He acts on his own terms, for the redemption of the world.
 doing his “alien” work of condemning sin
 doing his “proper” work of forgiving and rescuing

Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

John, when you are sitting in prison, deciding whether to chase the rats away from your bread or to try to catch and eat the rats, you are waiting, suffering. The world doesn’t look very hopeful. But in Jesus there is healing, restoration, forgiveness, and life. But it’s on Jesus’ terms, not your terms. Are you offended? Please don’t be. Just wait and trust. Your redemption is drawing near also.

The good news - resurrection from the dead
The good news - eternal riches
The good news - blessedness forever

Makes this often sad and unrewarding life look, well, only temporary. It will pass away. The good news, Jesus, God’s good news, is here.


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