Friday Morning: 13 Sep 2019 – Matthew 10:1-23 ~ sent out as sheep among wolves

Friday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 10:1-23 (NLT)

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are the names of the twelve apostles:

first, Simon (also called Peter),
then Andrew (Peter’s brother),
James (son of Zebedee),
John (James’s brother),
3 Philip,
Bartholomew,
Thomas,
Matthew (the tax collector),
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
Simon (the zealot,
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: “Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God’s lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

“Don’t take any money in your money belts—no gold, silver, or even copper coins. Don’t carry a traveler’s bag with a change of clothes and sandals or even a walking stick. Don’t hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve to be fed.

“Whenever you enter a city or village, search for a worthy person and stay in his home until you leave town. When you enter the home, give it your blessing. If it turns out to be a worthy home, let your blessing stand; if it is not, take back the blessing. If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day.

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me.[e] When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

“A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed. And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one town, flee to the next. I tell you the truth, the Son of Man will return before you have reached all the towns of Israel.
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Morning Reflection:understandably

“Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves.
– Matthew 10:16 –
So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves.”

Jesus equipped his disciples with Kingdom authority over sickness and demonization, – it was a delegated authority, since all authority in heaven and on earth belonged to Jesus alone.. (Mt 28:18).

One might understandably think that with Kingdom authority such as this, the disciples would be readily welcomed wherever they went. But such was not the case any more than it was for Jesus. They were sent out as sheep among wolves seeking to devour them. And so Jesus instructed them accordingly – be wise(shrewd) and innocent (harmless), and trust in God’s provision on the journey. nevertheless, expect opposition and persecution along the way.

“But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.”

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever witnessed Kingdom signs and wonders performed in the name of Jesus? Please explain.
How would you describe the people involved? Did Jesus get the credit? Please explain.
Have you ever welcomed itinerant preachers/ministers into your home? Please explain.
When you think of facing opposition and/or persecution for expressing your faith, what comes to mind? Please explain.
Is there any fear of opposition and/or persecution that prevents you from expressing your faith now? Please explain.
How do you maintain the balance between wisdom and boldness? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: To Please God Rather Than Men (Thomas à Kempis)

Our God, in whom we trust: Strengthen us not to regard overmuch who is for us or who is against us, but to see to it that we be with you in everything we do. Amen.
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“Press On” -Selah

https://youtu.be/SrAMu3HMEks?rel=0
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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

Thursday Morning: 12 Sep 2019 – Matthew 9:18-38 ~ “Lord, send more workers.”

Thursday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our lives we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 9:18-38 (NLT)

Jesus Heals in Response to Faith

As Jesus was saying this, the leader of a synagogue came and knelt before him. “My daughter has just died,” he said, “but you can bring her back to life again if you just come and lay your hand on her.”

So Jesus and his disciples got up and went with him. Just then a woman who had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding came up behind him. She touched the fringe of his robe, for she thought, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.”

Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, “Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed at that moment.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s home, he saw the noisy crowd and heard the funeral music. “Get out!” he told them. “The girl isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” But the crowd laughed at him. After the crowd was put outside, however, Jesus went in and took the girl by the hand, and she stood up! The report of this miracle swept through the entire countryside.

Jesus Heals the Blind

After Jesus left the girl’s home, two blind men followed along behind him, shouting, “Son of David, have mercy on us!”

They went right into the house where he was staying, and Jesus asked them, “Do you believe I can make you see?”

“Yes, Lord,” they told him, “we do.”

Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, “Don’t tell anyone about this.” But instead, they went out and spread his fame all over the region.

When they left, a demon-possessed man who couldn’t speak was brought to Jesus. So Jesus cast out the demon, and then the man began to speak. The crowds were amazed. “Nothing like this has ever happened in Israel!” they exclaimed.

But the Pharisees said, “He can cast out demons because he is empowered by the prince of demons.”

The Need for Workers

Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

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Morning Reflection:

“Lord, send more workers.”

_ Matthew 9:37-38 –
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few.
So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”

Once again Jesus confounds his onlookers by announcing the Good News about the Kingdom, and demonstrating its presence and power through healing every kind of disease and illness. And today, in particular, Jesus demonstrates his compassion and healing mercy in response to the faith of sick people – the rabbi’s daughter, the woman in the crowd, the blind men, and the demonized. To be clear, the faith expressed is in Jesus’ power and authority over all forms of sickness and disease.

But perhaps even more remarkable is Jesus’ appeal for more workers to do what he was doing – i.e. to harvest the crop that God had already planted and prepared. The ministry that Jesus wants to share with us is a ministry of compassion and faithfulness.

Questions for consideration:

Do you know people who believe that Jesus is their Savior and Lord, and want to receive his healing mercy? Please explain.
Do you know people who are living confused and helpless lives? Do you feel compassion for them, or something else? Please explain.
When you think of God using you as a worker in his fields ripe for harvest, what is your response? Please explain.
When you think of God using you as a worker in his fields ripe for harvest, where would you begin. Please explain.

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Morning Prayer –

Ministry to the Sick:

Savior of the world, by your Cross and precious blood you have redeemed us; Save us, and help us, we humbly pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, heal this your servant, sustain him/her with your presence, drive away all sickness of body, mind, and spirit, and give to him/her that victory of life and peace which will enable him/hr to serve you both now and for ever. Amen.

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“Rescue” – Lauren Daigle

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Closing:

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

Wednesday Morning: 11 Sep 2019 – Matthew 9:1-17 ~ “Be encouraged, my child!”

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 9:1-17 (NLT)

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”

But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?”

Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

And the man jumped up and went home! Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority.

Jesus Calls Matthew

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’[d] For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

A Discussion about Fasting

One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.”
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Morning Reflection:

“Be encouraged, my child!
Your sins are forgiven.”
– Matthew 9:2 –

Jesus’ ministry and mission was predicated upon God’s mercy – not our merit, From Jesus’ perspective, no one is unredeemable, deplorable, or despicable enough by the standards of society to be outside Jesus’ concern and saving grace.

Questions for consideration:

Is there anything that you have said, thought or done that you consider unforgivable, i.e. outside the bounds of God’s saving grace? Please explain.
What would you prefer right now, healing for your sicknesses and diseases, or forgiveness for your sins? Please explain.
What would repentance and restoration be like in your life right now? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

O most loving Father, in your mercy you put away the sins of those who truly repent, and remember their sins no more. Restore and renew in us whatever has been corrupted by the fraud and malice of the devil, or by our own selfish will and weakness. Preserve and protect us within the fellowship of the Church; hear our prayers and relieve our pain; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Redeemed”” – Big Daddy Weave

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Closing:

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

Tuesday Morning: 10 Sep 2019 – Matthew 8:18-34 ~ Our fears test our faith.

Tuesday Morning

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

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 8:18-34 (NLT)

The Cost of Following Jesus

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.

Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.”

Jesus Calms the Storm

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Jesus Heals Two Demon-Possessed Men

When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.

They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”

There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”

“All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water.

The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone.
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Morning Reflection:

Our fears test our faith.

“Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!”
– Matthew 8:26 –

In today’s reading, Jesus is surrounded by crowds of people who are drawn to him by him by his preaching, teaching and healing. And several of them are inclined to follow him – but first, they must face their fears. And so it is today; following Jesus in principle is one thing . But following Jesus in practice is another matter altogether- that’s when our fears challenge our faith.Here are some of the fears Jesus addressed in this reading?

+ Fear of homelessness (vs19) – the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head. Following Jesus a challenge for those who plan ahead when they travel. They want to know where they will sleep on any given night. But Jesus says trust me, don’t expect a grand hotel, but we’ll find something.

+ Fear of criticism (vs 22) -Jesus told him, Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead. Families exert powerful influence on our lives, for better or worse. In this case, a man simply wanted to pay respect to his father, and not doing so opened him to criticism and perhaps even estrangement from his family. But Jesus says, following me is more important than meeting family obligations.

+ Fear of death (vs26) – Jesus responded, Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!Concern Fear for our physical safety is built into our human nature – and these seasoned fishermen were genuinely afraid of drowning. But more, they were afraid that Jesus didn’t care. But Jesus amazes them by calming the storm and their fear of death at the same time. Jesus says: “are you afraid of drowning?” – Don’t worry, I’m in control.

+ Fear of discovery (vs29) – Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? – What drives people to do wrong? The traditional answer is – the world, the flesh, and the devil. And in this case, it’s the devil. But regardless of the source, fear of discovery of their temptations translates into fear of Jesus – fear that the the temptation driving their lives will be exposed.

+ Fear of financial loss (vs34) -Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone. Jesus disrupted the status quo and the business and economic interests of the town. The loss of the pigs was a huge financial loss for everyone involved.

Questions for consideration:

Do you have a regular place to sleep at night? What comforts would you be willing to give up to follow Jesus? Please explain.
How does your family influence your faith? Have your family obligations ever prevented you from following Jesus? Please explain.
Do you have concerns about your health or physical safety? How do they affect your ability to follow Jesus? Please explain.
Can you identify some of the temptations that are driving the society in which you live? In your opinion, which of these are demonic? Which of these affect you? Please explain.
What would it cost you, or your empolyer to follow Jesus? Would it cause you economic hardship? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer –

For Trustfulness in Times of Worry and anxiety

Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Not Afraid” – Jesus Culture

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Closing:

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

Monday Morning: 09 Sep 2019 – Matthew 8:1-17 ~ Jesus heals our sickness and disease!

Monday Morning

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

Opening – A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Morning Reading – Matthew 8:1-17 (NLT)

Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

The Faith of a Roman Officer

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman office came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour.

Jesus Heals Many People

When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,

“He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”

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Morning Reflection:

Jesus heals our sickness and disease!

That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus.
He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick.
This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,
“He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.”
– Matthew 8:16-17 –

A friend of mine recently died of cancer. Both he and his family were believers and they prayed in faith for his healing. So what should we make of his death in light of today’s reading?

+ All healing is subject to the good and perfect will of God. e.g. The man with leprosy – “if you are willing, you can heal me.” –

+ All healing is predicated on belief in Jesus’ authority over sickness and disease. e.g. The Roman officer – “Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed…. Because you believed, it has happened.” –

+ All healing in this life is only a temporary reprieve from sickness and disease. e.g. Peter’s mother-in-law – When Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Jesus healed her of her high fever, but she eventually died, as did all the other people who were brought to Jesus that day.

+ All healing in this life is a sign of our complete and total healing in the life to come through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross – “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” – once and for all time.

So what do I conclude about praying for my friend? Jesus has answered our prayers for healing beyond anything I can imagine – he is perfect and whole, filled with joy, living in the presence of the One true God for ever and ever.

Questions for consideration:

Have you ever prayed for a person to be healed of a sickness or disease? What was the result? Please explain.
Do you believe that God heals people today? Please explain.
Have you prepared for your own life’s end? What do you expect it to be like? Does it fill you with fear or joy? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer:

for the recovery of a sick person

Almighty and immortal God, giver of life and health: We implore your mercy for our loved ones, that by your blessing upon them and upon those who minister to them with your healing gifts, they may be restored to health of body and mind, according to your gracious will, and may give thanks to you among your holy people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

for joy at the end of life (Miles Coverdale)

Lord Jesus, be mindful of your promise. Think of us, your servants, and when we shall depart, speak to our spirits these loving words: “Today you shall be with me in joy.” O Lord Jesus Christ, remember us, your servants who trust in you, when our tongues cannot speak, when the sight of our eyes fails, and when our ears are stopped. Let our spirits always rejoice in you and be joyful about our salvation, which you, through your death, have purchased for us. Amen.

for help to bear bereavement

Heavenly Father, help us to entrust our loved ones to your care. Though sorrow darkens our lives, help us to look up to you, remembering the cloud of witnesses by which we are surrounded. And grant that we on earth, rejoicing ever in your presence, may share with them the rest and peace which your presence gives; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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” Give me Jesus” – Fernando Ortega