Lives Renewed!
Amanda MacQuarrie
January 18, 2023
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Matthew 11: 2-11 (NRSVA)
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ 4 Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 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. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’
7 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? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 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.”11 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.
John is in jail and knows his fate, and he wants assurance, confirmation that Jesus is who he thought he was.
The proof is there for all to see…
The blind are receiving their sight!
The lame are walking!
Those who had leprosy are cured!
The deaf hear!
The dead are raised!
And the good news is being preached to the poor!
This can only mean one thing…
The Lord — the One who was promised — has come!
Has God come in your life?
Do you live as one healed? As one restored?
Or do you still hold on to old beliefs about yourself…
That you’re not worthy, can’t be forgiven, or don’t deserve, or aren’t lovable…?
Do you live as one plagued with feelings of fear and not being good enough…
Or do you live as one redeemed and set free?
Jesus has come!
You are the apple of God’s eye.
Let that be the truth of your life that others see the proof of by looking at you and experiencing your love. Go and live and love… freely!
PRAYER:
Chain breaker,
Fear defeater,
Life restorer…
In your death and resurrection we are made whole
Not because of anything we do.
But because of the love you have for us.
A love which thinks we’re worth it.
A love which acted for my benefit even before I came to being.
A love which means that no matter what I do to damage my relationship with you, there is always a way back…
To you
Waiting,
With arms open wide to receive me.
Help me to look at my life,
That together we might root out the old beliefs and fears that stop me living in the fullness of life…
The fears, the shame, the guilt…
Take these old clothes away…
That I might see myself as you see me…
Loved. Forgiven. Whole.
And let my life preach your goodnews
That you Lord,
Have come!
Amen
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