What was it like to spend time with Jesus on earth?

Matthew, one of the closest followers of Jesus wrote an account of many things he personally witnessed. In chapter 12 of Matthew’s account, Jesus and many followers were traveling by foot around the countryside and He healed “all the sick among them.”

Wow. What a great place it would have been to be front and center witnessing the healing power of Jesus. I know many today would love to feel the healing touch of Jesus on their body, or on the body of a loved one.

Matthew also records for us Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus, in the same chapter:

Look at My Servant whom I have chosen.

He is My beloved who pleases Me.

I will put My Spirit upon Him,

And He will proclaim justice to the nations.

He will not fight or shout

Or raise His voice in public.

He will not crush the weakest reed

Or put out the flickering candle.

Finally, He will cause justice to be victorious

And His name will be the

HOPE OF ALL THE WORLD.

Jesus was an example of how to be strong against the opposition of the religious leaders of His time for whom He gave sharpest criticism because they were leading vulnerable people astray.

But He was gentle with all who came to Him seeking healing, help or comfort. He was sensitive and did not crush the weakest among them.

God said He put His own Spirit upon Jesus. But followers of Jesus, even today, have been promised the same Spirit to guide, direct, and strengthen us. It is part of the spiritual mystery explained in many of Paul’s letters to the early Jesus followers.

God desires for us to join Him in His work in the world. It isn’t always apparent what God is doing until we tune in to the spiritual realities of our world. He is always at work and His primary work is in transforming hearts. Jesus said,

“Whatever is in your heart determines what you will say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for ever idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Matthew 12

I want hope to be in my heart, but sometimes I can get overwhelmed with fear or worry that can influence my heart. I want acceptance towards others to be in my heart, but sometimes I feel overcome with criticism or judgment.

The indicator of what is in my heart is the words that come out of my mouth. Jesus has conquered death and won a spiritual victory that He wants to share with me. Accepting His invitation allows me to journey with Him, with the Spirit of God always available to give me wisdom, self-control and comfort.

I just need to keep checking on my heart. What am I holding in my heart? How is my heart influencing my words? Am I allowing the Spirit of God to lead and direct my heart?

His intention is never to crush me, but to gently draw me and strengthen me. He wants to fill my heart with faith and confidence so that I can become more like Him. He wants me to be able to “proclaim justice” to the oppressed, to answer others without raising my voice or becoming unkind. He wants to use my life, my heart and my interactions to impact the world of today.

What an amazing privilege to have an opportunity to “tune in” my heart to the Spirit of God and have Him use me in the work He is doing in the world today.

How is your heart?

Day 15 of Encouraging people to Seek Jesus: 30 ways in 30 days

If you have been helped in any way through my musings, please give glory to God. If you find anything disappointing or offensive – please let me know so I can improve 

• Day 14: Too Smart for God?
• Day 13: Where can I Find Hope?
• Day 12: Our Designer
• Day 11: One essential to come to God
• Day 10: How does faith begin?
• Day 9: Faith in the midst of Adversity 
• Day 8: Current State of the World
• Day 7: What does Jesus want from me?
• Day 6: The Critical Question
• Day 5: Best Invitation Ever
• Day 4: Freedom
• Day 3: My Stabilizing Factor 
• Day 2: Knowledge of God and Blessing
• Day 1: Does it make sense to seek Jesus in 2014?