Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 12:9-21 (NLT)

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath

Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)

And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”

Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus.

Jesus, God’s Chosen Servant

But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, but he warned them not to reveal who he was. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:

“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world.”

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Morning Reflection:

And his name will be the hope of all the world.”
– Matthew 12:21-

In fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Isaiah 42:1-4), Jesus Messiah was not only the hope of Israel, but also the hope of the whole world. What would his justice or judgement look like?

+ Gentle and humble – not arrogant or brash.
+ Compassionately advancing – without crushing the opposition.
+ Saving mercy and grace for the helpless and hopeless.
+ Welcome relief and rest for the weary and burdened.

This is the Messiah that would finally rule and reign over the whole world. This is the Messiah that the whole world could trust – Jesus Messiah.

Questions for consideration:

• How does Isaiah’s prophecy of Jesus Messiah fit with your own understanding of Jesus, particularly when it comes to the final judgement? Please explain.
• What aspect of Jesus’ final victorious justice would you like to see accomplished? Is there a wrong that you would like to see righted? Please explain.
• Can you think of ways that you would experience mercy and relief with Jesus’ final victorious justice? Please explain.
• Where in your own life do you need to wait quietly and confidently for Jesus to administer justice? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Quiet Confidence

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“At the Name of Jesus” – Northern Baptist Association, UK

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen