Matthew 11:1-19

Week 5 Memory Verse

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.   

And as you go, preach, saying,

‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’  

Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers,

raise the dead, cast out demons.

Freely you have received, freely give.

Matthew 10:6-8
 

 

Read Matthew 11:1-19!

 

Calling All The Messengers

 

The other day, my neighbor killed a massive snake.  It wasn’t some little two foot snake, I’m guessing its length was closer to five feet!  In an instant, my neighbor was able to send pictures of this dead creature to eight people.  So, of course, I had to instantly pass along the pictures she sent me to everyone I knew was scared to death of snakes. J

There are so many ways to instantly reach people now, if you want to text your brother a picture of the 10 point buck you just shot down or if you want to share the joy of your new baby to the world through Facebook; in today’s world, it can all be shared in an instant.  John the Baptist was the best in his day at getting the MOST important message out. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:2.    Jesus quoted the Old Testament saying John was THE messenger.   With just his voice and the Holy Spirit, (no TV show, IPad or Tweet) he made a huge splash in the water & the ripple effects reached so many, preparing them for the Messiah.   

Do you ever pay attention to what is trending when you log onto the internet?  I catch it from time to time.  Can you imagine the stirring in your soul if you were to log onto the internet to find something like “John 3:16” trending, or “Jesus our Savior”?  What a wonderful day that would be!

Spreading the message of Jesus our Savior is not always as easy as posting a picture with scripture on Facebook (although I would much rather look at that then other things posted).  Matthew 11:12b “……., the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”  Spreading the gospel is a battle, John the Baptist lost his life over this message, and people today are still dying because of their steadfast belief in the truth.

  There are so many confused,  and heartbroken, people who are suffering because they have no hope in our communities and around the world.  So if you have the chance to share your testimony or even a simple scripture, don’t hesitate.  Let the Holy Spirit be your guide & do what you must to be a messenger for God.  One sentence can instantly cause a stirring in someone’s heart to give their heart to God, which will lead to rejoicing in heaven for one more soul saved from an eternity without Him.

 

Time of Reflection

Certain phrases or scriptures can really stick with you.  Is there a phrase or scripture that really starts a stirring in your heart for revival or hope?  Do you know someone who needs to hear that scripture today? Don’t hesitate, share it with them.  Share it with more than one person, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  JESSICA HONC is the wife of 14 years to Will, and homeschooling mother of three children.  She is the Director of Freedom Fellowship Home School Co-op.  Jessica has served in many different capacities at Freedom Fellowship in Silsbee, Texas, such as librarian and children's teacher.

 

 

 

 

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