Dave’s Monday Blast – September 17, 2018

Early on in his ministry Jesus Christ was perhaps the most popular person in all of Israel. Matthew 4:25 comments that “great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem to Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.” What was his popularity tied to? Certainly his ability to heal the sick (Matthew 7:28-29), teach with divine authority (Matthew 7:28-29), and feed massive crowds (Matthew 14:13-21).

Most significantly though I believe his willingness to forgive every sinner who sought his pardon and grace (Matthew 9:10-13) greatly increased his “likeability factor”. Charles Spurgeon noted: “That hand which multiplied the loaves, which saved sinking Peter, which upholds afflicted saints, which crowns believers, that same hand will touch every seeking sinner, and in a moment make him clean.”

The Savior does indeed save us in the moment we ask. He assured the believing thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). It was only three hours later that our Lord went to paradise (vv. 44-46), the thief soon after (John 19:31-33). Jesus’ promise came true that very day.

But while Jesus heals us spiritually without delay, his physical ministry is less predictable, and in our humanity more problematic. Next week I want to share some thoughts about our “Frustration with God” when we need other miracles and He does not do what we ask when we ask. We become frustrated and his “likeability factor” declines. INTENTIONAL Men of God realize that this says more about us than it does about Him…but it can be true none-the-less. Stay tuned.