Where to go to, when tragedy strikes (Part 1)

Rev. Enoch Thompson | May 9, 2023 | Matthew 14:1-12

KEY VERSE:

John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. Matthew 14:12 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

A short time of observation of life on earth shows that adversity comes unexpectedly and uninvited and makes life miserable, for those who are directly affected, for their loved ones or for the course of whole families and nations. When tragedy strikes, we seek someone or somewhere to turn to. Unfortunately, many people have turned to alcohol, drugs, gangs, wrong companions etc. For even Kingdom citizens affliction does not make a distinction.

The disciples of John, and of the Lord Jesus (for He had made very positive comments about John), must have been shaken by the news of the murder of John in prison. The Lord Jesus Himself, in spite of His foreknowledge as the God-man, must have had much pain, and even shed some tears, for He was the Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief. Where do we turn while we walk this evil world and encounter such heart-wrenching experiences?

The disciples of John gave attention to their martyred teacher. They went and took his body and buried him. When people find themselves at rock bottom and cannot help themselves Kingdom people must lend a helping hand and do that which will dignify the failing brother or sister. Turn to the destitute and helpless with our time, money, experience, and comfort and lend a helping hand.

But they did not stop there, they did something else, “. . .. Then they went and told Jesus.” (Matthew 14:12 (NIV). Yes, they went and told Jesus. They buried the body of John because they loved John. But they were also sure that there was someone who loved John much more than they did, and if He so chose could do something to bring John back to life because He had the power so to do. Tell it all to Jesus, that is what we most need to learn to do. Tell it all to Him because He loves us most, He understands the situation best, and He alone has all power to turn evil into good, for our comfort and for His glory. He alone can give us the strength to walk through the valley of the shadow of death not fearing, through the fire and through the water, without being destroyed. Tell it all to Jesus.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Is there something that is gnawing at your life in any way? How well have you done managing the situation? As a member of God’s Church, are you able to stretch open hands to those who need help? But most importantly have you learnt the attitude of telling your pains, or those of your loved ones, to the Lord Jesus? Now is the time to begin or to intensify our flight to the Lord. That is the most useful thing to do when adversity strikes.

PRAYER:

Lord, I am grateful to you that by your Word I am aware that you created a perfect world, which has been destroyed by human sin and sinfulness. I see the thorns and thistles growing all around me, and sometimes they prick my fragile soul. I pray that I and all who profess faith will learn to turn to other people beaten down along the way, but most importantly that we will learn to turn to you and to tell it all to you. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!