Matthew 11:20, 25-27 [NIV] | 20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent… 25At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
In recent days it is easy to see why God would denounce towns and people that do not seek God and repent of their ways. Some wonder if the end times are near due to all the violence we see in our society. Last week we experienced two shootings at a local mall, the news was filled with violence over accusations that the election was filled with flaws. Social media is overflowing with negativity and judgment. You cannot help but wonder, “Has God denounced our society for unrepentant sins?”
As Christians, we are blessed with the gift of faith in Jesus being chosen by God to have the hidden things revealed to us. In our Baptism God calls us by name and declares is his children. Like Jesus, we too can praise our God who is the Lord of heaven and earth. As we witness the chaos that surrounds us, we have peace in the assurance that this life is not the end resolve. We live in the hope of new life that a time is coming when there will be no more pain and suffering. We rejoice in the faith and knowledge given to us through the Holy Spirit.
God has not given up on his creation. He chose to use as his messengers. For others to know God, God reveals himself through the Holy Spirit working in and through us. In Christ we are given the opportunity to transform lives – to point people to Jesus. How fortunate we are that Jesus has clearly revealed to us our Father, his truth, and how we can know him. The lost can only approach God through Jesus—he truly is the only way (John 14:6). We can transform our world one life at a time through Jesus. It’s time we share what we have in Christ with others.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for reaving your Son, Jesus, to us. We praise for the gift of life we have today and into eternity. Help us see the opportunities we have to serve other. Motivate us to be your witnesses in a world that clearly needs more of you. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Action Plan:
Today I will give thanks to God for his gift of saving faith.