Through the Bible - Daniel 1-2, 1 John 4
Good morning,
I had a verse planned for today but a couple of devotionals that I read this morning caused me to change course.
First I read in Matthew 12 where Jesus exhibits His "meekness" while offering words of comfort to the weak.. We'll go there for today's verse.
Matt 12:20 A bruised reed He will not break,
And smoking flax He will not quench,
Till He sends forth justice to victory;
21 And in His name Gentiles will trust." NKJV
And smoking flax He will not quench,
Till He sends forth justice to victory;
21 And in His name Gentiles will trust." NKJV
John MacArthur writes, "Christ's approach was the way of meekness, gentleness, and lowliness because many of His hearers were like the battered reed or smoldering wick. They were people whose lives were broken or worn out, and the world wanted to discard them. An unbelieving society nearly always wants to cast off such people as useless or worthless."
Jesus places a high value on each life, He made it clear in His sayings and actions that His followers should do the same. We are not to crush or destroy those who are weak and weary from lifes battles but to liftt them up. In many cases, in doing so, you will be lifted up.
The other passage I read was Ephesians 6:10-18 about putting on the full armor of God. I had never put the two passages together. Paul wrote the book of Ephesians from prison, a place where you will find many smoldering wicks and bruised reeds. But Paul had been one who had been lifted up, encouraged, and strengthened in Christ through the years. The power of Christ enabled him to offer the encouraging words we find in this passage, including the following words at the end of the passage.
Eph 6:17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. NLT
He was challenging and encouraging others while still seeking prayer which would be answered with the meekness shown in the verses in Matthew 12 above. Paul was lifted up and because he was, the words of the full armor of God have gone out to the nations, to us, that we might take them to heart and do the same, applying them and passing them on to others smoldering wicks that are in need.
Don't put out the smoldering wick but instead "fan into flame the gift of God" - 2 Timothy 1:6
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Eph 6:10-21
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God's ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. NLT
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