glory (Mt 15:29-39)

Friday, February 1, 2008

Psalm 124; Matthew 15:29-39


"And they glorified the God of Israel."
(Matthew 15:31)


Matthew gives us another summary of Jesus' "mighty works." It's a similar to Jesus' answer to John the Baptist's disciples when they brought John's question asking him whether he was the one to come (11:5). It is seen by many to refer to Isaiah prophesy:

Say to those who have an anxious heart, "Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God.
He will come and save you."
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute sing for joy...
(Isaiah 35:4-6)

The people no doubt recognized this, and saw these miracles as signs of God's coming to save them. There's much more in Isaiah 35 about that time of the Lord's visitation, including:

"And the ransomed of the LORD shall return
and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away"
(v. 10)

This is why "they glorified the God of Israel."

First, what "mighty works" has the Lord done for you? I think there are many. Be thoughtful, remember, and glorify him.

Second, how can we be about Jesus' healing ministry, which he sent out his disciples to do? And in such a way that people glorify God?

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)