Wednesday 20th February 2019 Prayer Devotion
Scripture Reading:- Matthew 11:1-15
Topic:- The Greatness And The Fall Of John The Baptist [2]
Text:- Matthew 11:11
E. Why should the Bible compare him with Elijah, is that not re-incarnation?
1. In Malachi 4:4-6 for the proof of Elijah’s second coming as prophesied by Prophet Malachi.
2. But note Matthew 17:1-13; Luke 1:17 for more details and explanation of the impossibility of Bible for re-incarnation.
F. Explanation of the Teaching through the Text passage:
1. His in-comparison or greater than others. See Matthew 11:11a.
2. His stumble despite his greatness i.e. the least in the heavenly kingdom. See Matthew 11:11b.
G. What to be emulated of John the Baptist:
1. His recognition of Christ as the Savior. See John 1:29-36; 3:28-36.
2. His holy/perfect living. See Matthew 11:7-10.
3. His humility. See Matthew 3:13-15; Luke 3:16.
4. His exalting of Christ only and not self. See John 3:30-31.
5. Never tolerate jealousy/envy. See John 3:22-27; 4:1-2.
H. The stumble of John the Baptist:
1. He has once declared who Jesus was. See John 1:29.
2. He had testified to people about the Lord Jesus. See John 1:35-40.
3. He received revelation from God himself who this Jesus is. See John 1:30-34.
4. He was Jesus’ cousin though older in age than Jesus but John’s mother would have let him know about who this Jesus is. See Luke 1:39-56.
5. Over all and even more of these, he doubted Jesus because of his state of problem/challenges, not like that of his unbelieving father but his own denied and doubted. See Matthew 11:2-3.
I. Conclusion:
1. Emulate the good side of John the Baptist and not his failure, so as to be greater than him in heavenly kingdom. See Matthew 11:11-12.
2. Remember you can begin well and end it woefully. See Matthew 20:16; 1 Corinthians 10:12.
3. I pray that my case will not be like that but that I will end it successfully and best in heavenly kingdom with Christ Jesus. Amen. Is that your own prayer too?
Prayer Points:-
1. Oh Lord God, help me not to end it woefully but to end it best with You henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
2. I declared that my case is to end it best and successfully in heavenly kingdom with Christ forever, in the name of Jesus Christ.
3. Oh Lord God, help me that i may decrease and You may increase henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Happy Mid-Week!
