July 20th - Reflection

Matthew 12:15-21 (NRSV)
God's chosen servant

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
We hope in the name of Jesus. Jesus, as a Jew, reaches out to all people, not just the Chosen People. In that reaching out we too are chosen. Not chosen by anything that we could have ever done, but chosen because of what God has done for us through Jesus and the Spirit upon him.

Jesus approach was not one of a salesman or one that needed to make a big announcement. Jesus didn't need to do any of this. Jesus himself was God in flesh, no grand entrance needed. Jesus was the grand entrance and that alone was all that we need.

Now our response to what Jesus has done for us is a far different thing. Why wouldn't we shout it out in the streets? Why wouldn't we declare to our friends and family what God has done through Jesus? Why wouldn't we describe the hope we have in Jesus day after day? Jesus has come to save! What hope and joy that brings to all people of all nations. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Jesus, thanks for the hope you have given me and all people...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen