January 12th - Reflection

Matthew 12:15-21 (NRSV)
The words of Isaiah applied to Jesus

When Jesus became aware of this, he departed. Many crowds followed him, and he cured all of them, and he ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
"Here is my servant, whom I have chosen,
my beloved, with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not wrangle or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
He will not break a bruised reed
or quench a smoldering wick
until he brings justice to victory.

And in his name the Gentiles will hope."

Reflection
Jesus did not wrangle or cry aloud. Jesus did not look for controversy. Jesus didn't have to look for controversy. Jesus' way is good and right. We are the ones that become misguided, confused, upset and controversial. We get ourselves all wrapped around the wheel when it's the wrong wheel were wrapped around. It's easy to do. In fact, real easy to do.

But the wonderful part of all this wrangling, is that Jesus comes to us in the midst of our confusion, our hurt and our pain. Jesus speaks to us justice. Speaks to us even though we are the very ones who have made Jesus himself unclean with our sin and selfishness. Jesus brings forth justice and puts it before our face. Out of the controversy, the confusion, and our misguided efforts; Jesus heals, comforts, guides, cures, and draws all of us back to him.

And in this coming to us with compassion, Jesus brings hope. What a wonderful Savior. A Savior who enters our chaos in love and acts that love out. All for you...all for me. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, in my confusion, in my pain, in my discomfort, in my sinfulness; enter in and bring your guidance and love and hope. Forgive my selfish acts. Forgive my hurtfulness. Create in me a clean heart oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. --- Amen