Don't dodge the question

Rev Enoch Thompson | APRIL 12, 2023 | Matthew 11:16-19

KEY VERSE:

"To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: . . .. Matthew 11:16 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In daily conversation, we have developed the skill of changing the subject, when we are uncomfortable with the discussion or to dodge the issues at stake when we want to avoid the responsibility that points in our direction. The high praises of John the Baptist, and the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Jews of the time, made their attitude of rejection of the ministry of the two a matter of surprise. As a nation, they did not repent once and for all and accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah (John 1:11-12). It is a wonder to God (to whom nothing should be a wonder), and it is so put in the text as to make it our wonder, that a people who received both the powerful preaching ministry of the greatest of the prophets, and who witnessed the most-inviting preaching, in-depth teaching and miracles of the God-among-them should be so heartless and blind as to miss the divine revelation right before their eyes.

The divine response to the divine “confusion” when we are dodgy to the revelations of God to us, is: "To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: . . .. Matthew 11:16 (NIV). God uses different methods to draw our attention to Himself and His messages. The strange lifestyle of John the Baptist, away from the company of people, eating strange food and dressing in rough uncomfortable attire, could not call the attention of the Jews to the repentance necessary to enter the Kingdom of God. Neither did the socializing of the Lord Jesus, His easy approachability and His availability make the Jews see the depiction of the feast of the Kingdom of God He had come to inaugurate. Rather they found accusing statements to make about the messengers and the message of God. To those who are not ready to listen and believe, “The preacher is too loud” or “The preacher is too soft.” “The preacher is too fashionable.” or “The preacher is out of date in fashion.”

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Are you paying attention to what God is saying, or are you using the circumstances around the message to reject the message? Is Christianity a child’s play or real life and death business for you? Don’t dodge the question!

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, forgive me for the times I have tried to change your topics and divert attention from the clear messages to me. Please help me out of the playground of childish humanity and religion, to a serious mature walk with you. Please rouse your church from slumber and child’s play to a new commitment to righteousness in an evil world. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!