Shy Jesus

“And the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery and having set her in the midst, they said to Him, ‘Teacher, this woman as been caught in adultery, in the very act. Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?’ And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him.
"But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, ‘He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground.” John 8:3-8

“Jesus showed restraint, refusing to overwhelm people with a brash display of power.”* Yet even his thirty-six miracles demonstrated “a quality like divine shyness.”*—“even as He performed them, He often seemed to downplay them. When He resurrected the daughter of a Jewish VIP, He gave strick orders to keep it quiet. Mark records seven separate occasions when Jesus told a person He had healed, ‘Tell no one!’” *

Some would imagine He asked that people keep His miracles a secret so He would not be mobbed for more. I’m sure this is part of it, but it seems that when you consider Christ, He rarely did ANYTHING for show and attention or to make people obey Him. He, even though a Jew, did not seem to enjoy arguing to prove His point! One of the most powerful moments in Scripture to me is when Jesus knelt down to write in the dirt. Only He had the right to cast a stone, yet He did not!

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: NEED PRAYER UPDATES PLEASE:

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO LOST LOVED ONES RECENTLY: Jay lost his Mum. Cris loss of 3 loved ones in past 2 months (affecting her health too). Greg’s lost his father. Di her brother. Milly and David lost their Mom. Linda lost her husband. Lavie lost her 28-year old brother.

JOB Related: Pray for those seeking work, that they will trust the Lord to be preparing the perfect role for them, includes: Barb (who applied at the hospital where she recently had to be), Tim, Carla and Paul (in final stages of interviewing).

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. Adrian who’s found a job and home. David (great health now!). Reg for his wonderful ministry.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Fred’s heart surgery is today (28 Sept) and Nancy, his wife, recovering from major head trauma. Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html ). Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Another Nancy continues her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (wisdom about sending his son to an alternative school, called Eagles Ranch). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions. For strength and wisdom for a decision I need to make.



*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey