A Sacrifice

31. October 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

Our text for today is as follows: 

Matthew 12: 15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 18 ”Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. 19 He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. 20 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory. 21 In his name the nations will put their hope.” 

The text opens up with “Aware of this.”  In case you’re just joining us, you’ll have to read the prior lessons to fully understand the context.   The reference is to the fact that when the Pharisees saw Jesus heal a man with a withered hand on the sabbath, they accused him of being in violation of the sabbath laws and they began their plot to kill him.   

Jesus, being “aware of this” leaves that place with a following for the text says that the multitude followed him and they brought their sick to be healed.     

The text then explains an old testament prophecy concerning Jesus found in the book of Isaiah.   In this prophecy, my favorite lines are where it says; “Till he leads justice to victory and in his name the nations will put their hope.” 

Those lines are just so powerful to me.   The nations will put their hope in him.     

Monday, our text will begin to take us to some more of the miracles that Jesus did.  I love studying his miracles.   

Let me just say, that on yesterday I did early voting and I waited over three hours to vote and it was simply wonderful.  I got in the line at 6:30a.m. thinking I would be one of the first ones to vote when the polls open at 8:30 but hundreds were already there before me. 

I watched generations of people stand in line to cast their vote.  Whatever your political persuasion is, I have to just take this time out to encourage you to vote for the candidate of your choice. 

I have to tell you this story.   Recently, one of my family members shared with me a story about my mother’s sister that I did not know.  My mom died a couple of years ago and when I learn little stories like this, I regret not taking the time to “pick her brain” more and learn the rich history and experiences she shared. 

I never knew my mother’s sister because she died at an early age before I was born.  I just found out last Sunday that she died during the 60’s in one of the “sit ins” in

My mother was always adamant about exercising her right to vote in honor of the death of her sister and the sacrifice that she made in order for us to have equal rights.  For the first time in my voting history, I have a new perspective and appreciation when I cast my ballot for the candidate of my choice. 

When I hit the button that said “Cast your ballot” I was teary eyed remembering both my mom and her sister and their struggles and sacrifices.  It was pretty overwhelming. 

I looked at the long lines and I know that they are anticipating eight or more hours of waiting on Election Day, but think about it.  All we have to do is stand in line, so many died for us to be able to stand in line. 

  I have such a new appreciation for voting than ever before and because of the times.    

Sometimes, when I’m praying or worshipping God, I also think of the sacrifice that Jesus made and it becomes so personal to me and it’s become overwhelming knowing that God loves us so much that he would send his only begotten son that all who would believe on him would have eternal life. 

Have a great weekend. 

Stay encouraged. 

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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