PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 9:27-34
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” (Matthew 9:33)
Jesus does something that was shocking to the people.
The blind see, and the mute speak… Satan’s prisoners being set free.
Unless of course your theology blames them for their problems.
For the pharisees, someone sinned and they were paying for it (John 9:1).
Obviously, to the pharisees, it must be Satan that is behind this.
Only Satan would pervert God’s justice and bring hope to sinners.
“It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.” (Matthew 9:34)
Jesus gives new eyes to the blind, and a voice to the voiceless.
This is how God works; he has mercy on those who need help, who are struggling.
So where does the church stand today, in relation to Jesus and the pharisees?
Do they graciously help the blind to see, and give a voice to the voiceless?
Or do they accuse those who do this of working for Satan, of perverting God’s justice?
Are we as Jesus followers known for our acts of mercy – like the Son of David?
May something like this – miracles of mercy – be see in the church today!
PRAYER
Lord, I want to work for you and God, not for Satan! Open my eyes and help me to speak and to act powerfully with your mercy to others.
In our rational (so we think) world – we are quick to discount anything that could be considered out of the ordinary – a miracle. The Pharisees were quick to attribute what Jesus did to ‘demons’: “But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons”. We might attribute it to other phenomena or illusions. Yet, miracles happen: lives are changed because of Jesus. Men and women on a destructive path of life are changed. How is it possible? Things happen to us – but they are not just coincidental – but if we are willing we may see how God through His spirit is shaping us. Lord you are the potter – I am your clay!
Once again people come to Jesus for healing, to be made whole. Where do I go? Do I too follow Him? Do I share my life, my trust with Him? In all things I need to bring them to Jesus – my joys, my sorrows – and trust that He hears my prayers. He hears my prayers and I need open eyes and open ears to hear what He is saying and doing in my life. Jesus answers and I need to be attentive of how He comes. Trust Him and go forward in the knowledge that He continues to lead and guide His own.
1 I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
no turning back, no turning back.
2 Though none go with me, I still will follow;
though none go with me, I still will follow;
though none go with me, I still will follow;
no turning back, no turning back.
3 The world behind me, the cross before me;
the world behind me, the cross before me,
the world behind me, the cross before me;
no turning back, no turning back.