Month: February 2016

Withering and flourishing

If you believe in God – if you believe to the point that you forgive others and live in the vulnerability that entails, trusting God with all things – then your sins are forgiven and your prayers are answered. No need to bring sacrifices, no need to buy the approval of (too often greedy) religious leaders. The way of Jesus produces fruit. Specifically, the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control. Expressions of religion that do not produce these fruits are cursed and will wither. Even ones that use Jesus’ name.
(From my Red Letter Year post 3 years ago about Jesus withering the fig tree.)

keep this miracle a secret

Ever wonder why Jesus told people to keep his miracles a secret? Seems like a strange thing to do and usually no explanation is given. But there is one instance in Matt. 12 where we are told why Jesus did things this way: 

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: (Matthew 12:15-17 NLT)

 Jesus ministered like this because it was in keeping with what Isaiah prophesied about him. In the Isaiah passage (which Matthew also quotes), we see that this approach pleases the Father and has certain qualities:

Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction. (Isaiah 42:1-4 NLT)

Ministry that is dependent on the Holy Spirit does not draw attention to itself, is completely gentle, and yet so strong it never gives up. This is what pleases God. This is what Jesus did. This is what Jesus calls his followers to do (and how to do it).