Today's Passage - Matthew 11:7-10

Matthew 11:7-10   As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about who it is written: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you."             In this passage of scriptures, we see that Jesus did not downplay the value of John the Baptist because of his doubt, for John the Baptist is indeed sent by God to prepare the way of the Lord. The work of preparing the way of the Lord is not limited to John the Baptist only; every believer should also be preparing the way of the Lord. In Hebrews 12:13, "Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." The principle of co-laboring with God is: Only God and God alone is able to work miracles. But nonetheless it is our responsibility to prepare the Way of the Lord, so that His works may flow without hindrance. How than, can we prepare the way for the Lord's work?             Firstly, we need to individually repent and return to God, for our sins are usually the biggest stumbling block of the Lord's work. God searches for a clean vessel to co-labor with Him whenever He starts to work. Paul said in 2 Timothy that "In a large house here are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."  We need to examine ourselves and seek the Lord's precious blood to cleanse us, so that He can use us.             Secondly, we need to corporately as a church understand that vessels are needed for revival. Revival needs to be prepared for, and the only way to prepare for revival is by fervent prayers. Once a groups of ministers visited Rev. Charles Spurgeon's church. After Rev. Spurgeon introduced the ministries of his church, he told them, "Let me show you the power generator of our church." They said to themselves, "What could be special about a church's power generator?" Just when they walked into the basement, they saw the basement filled with intercessors, and that is the secret to Spurgeon's church revival. Dear brothers and sisters, are you hungry for revival? If you are, you cannot just sit here and wait; you need to rise up and pray, or find a prayer partner and intercede for the church faithfully. We need to pray until revival comes. A prayerful pastor once said, "Prayer is like digging a hole, also like inserting an electric pole, also like installing the wires. Once the wires are fully installed, you are connected with God."  Are you willing to pay the price of prayer?   Pray with Pastor Tong   Dear Lord, may you make us a vessel to be used by you. May you grant us the desire to prepare the way for your work in our daily lives, just like John the Baptist. May your grace flow from us without any hindrance. I thank you and pray all these in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!        Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - Follow us on our Facebook page!