Matthew 7 & 8
The words and actions of Jesus bringing a new reality to the world called God’s Kingdom. His teachings cut through so much junk in human relationships bringing truth and relationship between people and with God. His actions were unlike any others – healings / crossing cultural divides / unreal acts of nature. And this is all reality – a reality that draws people into it but challenges us to the core. Many said, “Jesus, I will follow you!” only to find that Jesus’ reality was too demanding, in that they couldn’t have what they wanted and needed to rely totally on God’s provision.
The Jesus in these two chapters challenges me. Jesus makes me think about the way I judge people. Jesus makes me confront my values and trust in God. I take heart however as I read how the disciples too were challenged by Jesus. On a boat in a storm they say, “Jesus, save us!” What were they expecting him to do??? He calms the widn and the waves and they are overwhelmed. I too get overwhelmed by Jesus, especially when he does act to save me – I don’t always like what Jesus does…I get challenged and blown away…but I’m so glad that Jesus does save me. I surely need to be saved. (Prayer – LORD sometimes I don’t know what I am expecting when I ask you to save me, but faithully and in your way you do. Thanks. Amen)
