Sunday, August 7, 2022

Where's the Great Fixer?

 


Click the image or the link or 

Copy and paste the link into your browser 

Or search YouTube for: ‘Why Jewish People

Didn’t Recognize Jesus as the Messiah

by Faithlife Today Episode 148 

 

 

“Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me.  And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming’, say the Lord of hosts.  But who can endure the day of His coming?  And who can stand when He appears?   

 

“For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers soap, He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.’” Malachi 3:1-3 

 

“As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John, ‘What did you go into the wilderness to see?  A reed shaken by the wind?  But what did you go out to see?  A man dressed in soft clothing?  Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! 


"'But what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’” Matthew 11:7-10 

 

“This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’” Luke 7:27 

 

Here Jesus quotes Malachi to remind those around Him, that He didn’t just appear on the scene, but that there was a herald, one who ‘presented’ Him to the world as the Messiah.   

 

Yet, it is easy to see why they failed to imagine One such as Jesus as THE Messiah.  Their pre-conceived notions of just how the Messiah would appear blinded them to the Truth.  So much of the Old Testament from Genesis 3, after the fall of man at the very beginning, announced to the world God’s plan.  Even today, many fail to see -- or refuse to see -- the Truth, because they still think of the Messiah as the ‘great fixer’ of all that is wrong in the world.  Sad. 

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily) 

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.).  For the books, go Amazon books.   

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?) 

 

  • Floods in Kentucky - more than 35 people have died and no one can yet estimate how many remain missing.  Pray for the rescue workers and those supporting those who now have lost everything. 

  • Barbara (my sister-in-law) recovering from surgery to remove two cancerous growths.  One became infected and she is now on antibiotics but not well yet and for Tim who is caring for her. 

  • Elizabeth and Dan – planning their wedding.  Please pray that they both are firm in their commitment to Jesus Christ as a priority. 

  • Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision. 

  • Christinegive her strength as she journeys to heart-healing. 

  • Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and for trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based friends to support them. 

  • Peyton and Carter  - Grandchildren of Jeff and Rachael.  Payton is eldest granddaughter and now in her third year at college.  Carter is a senior in high school.  Both are exceptional students and love the Lord.  Please pray they are not distracted by worldly things, that they continue do well in their studies and that their love of the Lord increases with each day.   

  • Sophie four-year old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her. 

  • Hans – a dear friend in Germany, has lung cancer and unable to work.  Pray for his financial situation and that his new social worker will be able to help him through this difficult time.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love. 

  • Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart. 

 

Pray for those in full-time service 

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families. 

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns 

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time. 

Pray for the World 

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