December 31, 2012
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 11:7-19
OBSERVATIONS
Has anyone ever tried to challenge you on something? How did you react? I know for me, my gut level reaction is, who do you think you are, how dare you accuse me. We find reasons to dismiss, deny our ignore what they say. This is what people did with John the Baptist when he challenged them. And now they are doing the same with Jesus. They dismissed John because he was too fanatic (he fasted), and they dismissed Jesus because He was too worldly (He didn’t fast).

In the end wisdom and truth speak for themselves. If what people say about you is true, then you cannot escape it by denying it. Whether people heed John the Baptist or Jesus, what they say matters.
We need to listen carefully to what Jesus says (by reading and praying the Gospels), we also need to listen to what others say (like John the Baptist, a pastor, a friend, a teacher, etc.), whether we like it or not. Even if we don’t agree with everything they say, we need to deal with whatever is true.
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
Where am I being challenged, where is my pride or defensiveness kicking on, making excuses rather than listening and learning and admitting and changing?
Reading the Bible, attending a discussion group, hearing a sermon, none of these things matter if we don’t actually do something with it. Whatever is wise, whatever is true, that is what I need to deal with.
If wisdom is proven right by her actions, the way for me to be wise is to act or react in an open, honest, humble and teachable way when I hear words that challenge me.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to make excuses for not listening to You. Help me be humble, honest and teachable.