THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 11:1-6
“Go back and report to John what you hear and see.” (Matthew 11:4)
The Jews believed that God would send a Messiah to restore creation.
The Messiah would reverse the curse and restore the kingdom of God.
The effects of sin – blindness, lameness, death, poverty – would be made right.
Those living in the darkness of despair would see the light of hope.
Grace, mercy, peace, faith, hope, love, this is what the Messiah would bring.
John has seen the “deeds of the Messiah”, and yet he is in prison.
As God’s prophet, he had hoped things might have been better for him under the Messiah.
Jesus’ response is to direct his attention to what He (Jesus) is doing.
‘Don’t allow your circumstances to blind you to what is happening all around you!’
How many people today also cannot see Jesus’ light because all they see is their darkness.
The signs of Jesus are meant to inspire hope, to encourage those living in darkness.
Though it’s hard, try not to allow your own ‘prison walls’ to keep you from seeing signs of hope.
The war is not over, suffering continues, but the Enemy is on the run, and the victory is coming.
Every testimony of hope, of healing, of justice, of mercy is a sign that the Messiah is at work.
God’s kingdom IS being restored, even if it hasn’t come fully in your own life yet.
Look beyond your own ‘prison walls’, and see Jesus, and the signs of His coming!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, please give extra strength to those who are burdened by darkness, that they may hang on to You in hope, and not stumble away from You.