Daily Reading 1-11-17
Matthew 12:15-21 Living Translation (NLT)
Intentions matter to God; He desires that we come to him not out of an act of obligation, but out of longing to be with Him. Love must be our motivation; relationship our goal. Jesus wants us to be as excited about the little things he is doing for us in the quietness of the heart as much as the big or outwardly obvious things he is doing to bring wholeness to our lives. He is Good and is the Author of all Good in our lives.
In our passage today, Jesus has many people following him. He heals the sick ones and instructs them not to tell others. He wants people to come for relationship reasons not just for physical healing. Jesus wants a forever relationship and the ways he desires to heal us are endless.
Matthew 12:15-21 Jesus, God’s Chosen Servant
15 But Jesus knew what they were planning. So he left that area, and many people followed him. He healed all the sick among them, 16 but he warned them not to reveal who he was. 17 This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him:
18
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19
He will not fight or shout
or raise his voice in public.
20
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
21
And his name will be the hope
of all the world.”[a]
Prayer: Father, thank you for the many ways you heal me. I love my relationship with you, Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen.