Scripture Union Daily Guide 8th February 2021 Monday Message
TOPIC: The Dilemma Of God’s Minister
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Opening Prayer: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
Scripture: Matthew 11:1-15
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any warning for me to heed? • What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 8th February 2021
John the Baptist confidently introduced Jesus as the expected Messiah because he received direct messages about Jesus from God (John 1:29-36). But when John was imprisoned, and Jesus did nothing about it, he appeared to have felt forgotten and frustrated. This may have raised some doubts in his mind about Jesus, hence his question to the Lord (vs.2-3). Like John the Baptist, you may also have some periods of doubts.
Remember that John’s moments of doubt did not alter the truth that Jesus is the Messiah. Have confidence in the Word of God despite life’s unfavourable situations. Jesus answered John’s questions (v.3) by referring him to Isaiah 35:4-6. Your knowledge in the Word of God will help you whenever you are tempted to doubt. John might have thought that as the Messiah, Jesus would have liberated him from his oppressor. He did not understand Christ as a spiritual liberator not political liberator like the other Disciples of Christ. Jesus sent words to John that he was focused on his God given assignment (v. 4 – 5; Luke 4: 16 – 21; Acts 1: 6). Notice Jesus’ statement in v. 6.
When our problems appear to be without a solution, the tendency is to think that God has forgotten about or even abandoned us. But God never abandons His own. His promise is sure (see Matthew 28:20b, compare Hebrews 13:5b). However, God’s answer may not always be what we are expecting. Jesus paid glowing tributes to John and his ministry (vs.7-11), but John remained in prison and was subsequently beheaded. What a dilemma!
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• When doubts arise in my heart, dear Lord, may your Word continue to be my anchor. • Pray for revival of Christians to personal witnessing and that the witness of the Church worldwide will never be muffled; pray for Church budgets to reflect Kingdom priorities.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• 1sa. 43-44; Mark 11:1-18
Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
