John Redux
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in General Published: Monday, 11 August 08 - 06:48 AM (GMT -06:00) Last Updated: Monday, 11 August 08 - 08:08 AM (GMT -06:00) |
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I had the priviledge of delivering the message this past Sunday. I'm always grateful for the opportunity! As I prepared the message, I had to conciously remove thoughts and rabbit trails that I wanted to chase. During the week I realized that these points either 1) interested me or 2) didn't further the main points. I have to work deligently to remove thoughts that serve only to amuse me.
I made reference to John the Baptist being in jail and sending Jesus a clever message. I love words, simply love them. John and Jesus tap into that quirk perfectly.
John is in prison for denouncing Herod Antipas.
John sends his disciples to Jesus to ask “Are you the One who is to come, or should we look for another?” TRANSLATION: I know who you are, the Lamb of God. I knew this when I was in utero. I announced you. I baptized you I pointed out no one is greater. Don’t you think it’s time to be about the Messiah business of busting me outta this joint?”
Jesus responds by having John’s disciples report the miracles and signs he has been performing. Jesus does this by quoting Isaiah. “The blind see; the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed; the deaf hear; the dead are raised; and the poor have the good news preached to them.” Rather partially quoting Isaiah. Isaiah lists four things that the Messiah will do;
preach the good news to the poor
to proclaim release to captives
recovery of sight to the blind
set at liberty those who are oppressed
Jesus sorta left out proclaiming release to the captives and setting at liberty those who are oppressed. TRANSLATION: Nope, not coming for you.
Jesus then adds, “Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” TRANSLATION: “Don’t be angry,”
The scriptures don’t give us any insight to how John may have responded. I like to think that he took his own advice and found joy in the increase of Christ. John knew his ministry must decrease. Did he realize the extent? It was certain that John had the scriptures memorized and would have daily washed himself in the Word.
I want to encourage you to find some way to daily connect with the Bible. We all learn differently, have different schedules, but make space in your day. I’ve linked a few online resources:
Daily devotionals online or e-mailed to you
http://www.crosswalk.com/Devotionals/
Pick up an Upper Room at the church or get it online
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/
My Utmost for His Highest
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
Or how about some Methodist blogs?
http://methoblog.com/
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| Your Family ROCKS | Emily Lawrence | 08/11/08 |
| the BUZZ is back! | Todd | 08/11/08 |
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Top | Reply to this Title: Your Family ROCKS Author: Emily Lawrence Date Posted: 11 Aug 2008 08:21 PM (GMT -06:00) The Monday Night Bible study ALL bragged on your sermon (bringing the Word) tonight, and seriously, it was great - I took notes. We also talked about how wonderful your sweet wife is - thought you should know. |
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Top | Reply to this Title: the BUZZ is back! Author: Todd (http://www.brandontoddwright.blogspot.com) Date Posted: 11 Aug 2008 08:32 PM (GMT -06:00) I'm so excited you fired this thing up again! Looking forward to good things from it... And yes, yes...your sermon was awesome. Just as I expected it would be. |
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