Aches and Praise Four Hundred & Eighty Three

Posted on 2020-12-10 in English |

December 10, 2020
 

Dear friends,

 
As we approach Christmas, songs like “Joy to the World” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” play over and over in my head. I don’t always think that this is the most wonderful time of the year, though, because I get exhausted trying to do all the things that need to be done before the holiday break. This morning I felt energetic, but by evening fatigue had set in. I started thinking about how Jesus was so exhausted that he was asleep in the boat while His disciples strained to keep it afloat in a storm (Matthew 8:24). Do you know what took place before Jesus got into that vessel? Many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus and He “healed all who were sick, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: ‘He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses’” (Matt. 8:16-17).
 

In his Study Bible, Dr. David Jeremiah writes this about that event: “Matthew tells us that these miraculous works were in fulfillment of Isaiah 53:4. Isaiah’s prophecy is most often cited in reference to atonement for sin, but here the Spirit of God applies it to Jesus’ earthly healing ministry. Jesus came to reverse the effects of sin, not just sin itself. Sickness was not a part of God’s original creation, and it will have no place in heaven.” This year, we have seen how a virus can devastate and destroy many lives. Anxiety levels are soaring and many are desperately awaiting a vaccine to improve their chances of survival.

When Jesus was on the earth, multitudes came to Him for help, both physically and spiritually. Sadly, many ignored Him and some demanded His execution. How about us? Are we willing to humble ourselves and ask His forgiveness for our sins? Do we desire to follow Him wholeheartedly, forsaking evil and pursuing righteousness? If you are exhausted or discouraged, go to the One who said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). The Lord Jesus was fully human and got tired like we do. He is also fully God and urges us to depend on Him and let Him transform us in ways that we can’t even imagine.   

Scripture for the weekend: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7 (NKJV)

Thought for the weekend: “The only way to properly approach a holy, sovereign, omnipotent God is in total humility and in total confession of sin. We must stay at war with our own pride, resolving to quickly deal with anything that displeases Him so we can stay unhindered in our relationship with Him and mighty in prayer.” – Stephen & Alex Kendrick (from their book “The Battle Plan for Prayer”)

 

By His grace,
 

Steve

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