Consider the Tenderness of Jesus
Transcript:
Hello, this is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to a special-edition series of The Kingdom Perspective.
How should we respond to the anxiety that coronavirus has unleashed upon us?
We should take great comfort in the tenderness of Jesus towards us.
The Bible presents to us a Jesus that is overwhelmingly powerful and awesome. He is the creator of all things, visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16). He is the absolute ruler over all things, not only in this age but also in the one to come (Colossians 1:19). And he is the absolute judge of all creation (Acts 17). At his return, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2).
Yet, this same Jesus is spoken of as being “humble and gentle” (Matthew 11:29)—so gentle in his dealings with us that he will not “crush the weakest reed” or “put out of the most fickle of flames” (Matthew 12:20 and Isaiah 42:3).
Right now, you may feel like the weakest reed. You may feel that your flame of faith is about to go out.
What should you do?
Look to Jesus! Look to the all-powerful, yet tender-hearted Judge of heaven and earth, who says to you:
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 NLT)
[And]…“whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (John 6:37b ESV)
Jesus is not only strong enough to sustain us, he is also tender enough to want to do so.
Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.
Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all and ordered them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:
“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not quarrel or cry aloud,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;
a bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory;
and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
~ Matthew 12 (ESV)
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