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Hope Springs Forth
Throughout the year, we have continued to celebrate the 90th anniversary of The Upper Room daily Read More
Danielle Buwon Kim | Read Matthew 11:2-6
The community to whom Matthew wrote was still questioning if Jesus was really the Messiah. They hoped for the Messiah to come and save them from the oppression of the Roman Empire, but they were still under Roman occupation. John the Baptist, who was preparing “the way” for the Messiah...
Gracious God, you desire that I walk in fullness of life. You labor so that I am made whole in your love. Help me to embrace the gift of the fullness of life. Mold me into the wholeness of your love. Amen.
Isaiah anticipates a future time of total restoration—the desert will bloom, the blind will see, the lame will walk, and the people will return to Jerusalem with joy. Since ancient times, some have understood this as a description of the age of the Messiah. In Luke’s Gospel, we hear the song of Mary. After Elizabeth blesses her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for God’s strength, mercy, and generosity. In the epistle, James encourages his audience to be patient as they await the second coming of the Lord. In the same way, we wait for the birth of the Messiah during Advent. An uncertain John the Baptist sends a message to Jesus to ask if he is the promised Messiah. Jesus responds by affirming that he fulfills the messianic expectations written by the prophets.
• Read Isaiah 35:1-10. When has scripture strengthened you through personal or societal crises?
• Read Psalm 146:5-10. Those with power interpret scripture differently than those who are oppressed. How can you make room for perspectives other than your own as you interpret scripture?
• Read James 5:7-10. When have you had to endure frustration with patience? How have you been strengthened by these experiences?
• Read Matthew 11:2-11. What does it mean to you to be greater than John the Baptist?
Respond by posting a prayer.
