Today’s verse: 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Scripture: Matthew 14: 1-21
Guilty feeling not only destroys our inner peace but also triggers us to sin. But Jesus is the only One who restores everything.
Herod who was troubled by a guilty conscience (verse 1-11):
We know that John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod the king because he had pinpointed his mistakes. When Herod saw Jesus performing miracles after miracles her thought that it was John who has come alive from death and he was scared. Herod had an unlawful affair with Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. John the Baptist condemned Herod for the sake of her. Herodias was angry because of that and even after John insisting him Herod fell into her trap by making her daughter dance. He had to do what he had promised because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him. This made him worried (verse 9). We see a similar incident in Daniel 6: 14-16. He couldn’t stand against wrongdoings. Although he was a king and although he enjoyed his life by giving place for all worldly desires, this guilty feeling has developed a fear in him. The only way to get rid of the guilty feelings is to confess and repent from them.
The compassionate Jesus who turns our weaknesses into strengths (verse 13-21):
Jesus who was troubled hearing that John the Baptist was killed, isolated himself and was comforted by God. And then when people came seeking Him, he was compassionate towards them. He desired to fulfill their physical need (hunger). The disciples haven’t seen the mighty power of Jesus yet. So in order to build up their faith, Jesus performs this miracle. A little boy’s sacrifice paved the way for Jesus’ miracle (Luke 17-20).
When we submit ourselves to God and use our talents for His glory, He will do mighty things through us and make us a blessing to many. When God blesses us there is no scarce.
Remember until we confess to God that we are weak it will remain as our weakness.
Dear God, Remove all the spiritual and physical weaknesses in me. Amen.