Post by Woody Williams on Dec 16, 2007 8:28:03 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Matthew 11:2-11
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When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by
his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or
are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John
what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk,
the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the
poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes
no offense at me.’
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John:
‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by
the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft
robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What
then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than
a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.”
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater
than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is
greater than he.
Devotional
----------
The ministry of John the Baptist was a paradigm of the way of
salvation. Repentance precedes faith. Both are a gift of the Holy
Spirit. Repentance is an awakened conscience touched by the grief of
guilt. Faith is the courage of the heart to believe in God's mercy
and grace. Pray for the Holy Spirit to gift you with both repentance
and faith this Advent season.
Prayer
------------------
I am ready for a renewed faith, Lord. Gift me with true repentance
and living faith. Amen
----------
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by
his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or
are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John
what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk,
the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the
poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes
no offense at me.’
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John:
‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by
the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft
robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What
then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than
a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.”
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater
than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is
greater than he.
Devotional
----------
The ministry of John the Baptist was a paradigm of the way of
salvation. Repentance precedes faith. Both are a gift of the Holy
Spirit. Repentance is an awakened conscience touched by the grief of
guilt. Faith is the courage of the heart to believe in God's mercy
and grace. Pray for the Holy Spirit to gift you with both repentance
and faith this Advent season.
Prayer
------------------
I am ready for a renewed faith, Lord. Gift me with true repentance
and living faith. Amen