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Friday, December 10, 2004

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Isaiah 48:17-19
Psalm 1
Matthew 11:16-19

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it's just vindication

"If you would hearken to My commandments...your vindication [would be] like the waves of the sea." —Isaiah 48:18

Jesus is coming soon, and He plans to set things right for "the just" (Ps 1:6), for those who put their trust in Him. We Christians take up our daily cross (Lk 9:23) and give up many things the world embraces. This makes us look foolish in the eyes of the world. We who are just need to be vindicated, proven right to those who denounce us.

When Jesus comes, heaven will announce to us: "Here is your God, He comes with vindication" (Is 35:4; see also Is 63:1). Jesus comes to bring "a day of vindication by our God" (Is 61:2). God can't rest until He has vindicated us, His servants (Is 62:1). God's vindication is more far-reaching than our greatest hopes (Is 62:2); it will be as bright as the noonday sun (Ps 37:6).

While we wait for His coming and His vindication, we must endure the complaints and insults of those who are never satisfied with us (see Mt 11:16ff). We will endure this cross by fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). With eyes of faith, we confess with Job: "I know that my Vindicator lives" (Jb 19:25). Come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer:  Father, may my life bring You much honor and glory in the sight of all (Mt 5:16).

Promise:  "Time will prove where wisdom lies." —Mt 11:19

Praise:  Slowly, and with much prayer, John earned the respect of his co-workers and their vulgarity diminished.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.) (Presentation Ministries offers a Lenten Retreat, Jesus, Mary and Redemptive Suffering, March 11-12, 2005. For information on this retreat and others, as well as information on how you can be immersed in God's word, the Sacraments, and Christian community through these retreats, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Richard Walling, July 7, 2004


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004