*DAILY ⓂANNA* *🗓 SATURDAY, MARCH 21 2020* *🌹 VIEW FROM THE VALLEY 🌹* *📖📖 TEXT: MATTHEW 11:1-15*

*DAILY ⓂANNA*

*🗓 SATURDAY, MARCH 21 2020*

*🌹 VIEW FROM THE VALLEY 🌹*

*📖📖 TEXT: MATTHEW 11:1-15*

_*🔑 KEY VERSE:* "Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" (MATTHEW 11:2,3)._

It has been said that when a person is in the valley, he is in such low depths that he is unable to see all the great work of nature. The valley of depression disallows him a full-orbed sight of the beauty of nature.

John the Baptist appeared to have slipped into that condition while in prison. He was suffering for his non-negotiable stand on marital purity. He had vehemently disagreed with Herod on his painful decision to marry his own brother's wife. In anger, Herod jailed him, apparently expecting that the fiery "voice crying in the wilderness" would stand down. In bonds, John could not capture the great sky-reaching miracles of our Lord Jesus that confirmed Him as the long-awaited Messiah; hence, he sent two of his disciples to Jesus.

The Lord did not upbraid his forerunner for his momentary doubts. He asked that John be showed the spectacle of "those things which ye do hear and see." Unprecedented signs, wonders and miracles were taking place: the dead were being restored to life; the blind were seeing; the lepers were being cleansed; the deaf could hear; the lame could now walk; and the poor had the good news of the kingdom of God preached to them. These were exploits that could only be attributed to the Messiah. Jesus needed not to say more to John whom he hailed as being "more than a prophet."

What we view from the valley does not tell the whole story. The dwarfing scene in a depressed state contradicts heaven's sunny position that there is light at the end of the tunnel. So when you are downcast with challenges that tend to cut you from the reality of God's promises, do not surrender to the low-lying shrub. Look up to the hills and tall trees pointing you to God. "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD..."

*✍ THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:* The valley experience should lead you to the hills.

*🤔 MEDITATION:* ANOINTED MINISTERS ARE ALSO HUMAN

*The lonely and depressed minister*
a. John was doubly sure of his calling John 1:23.
b. He confirmed he was born to fulfil the prophesy in Isaiah 40:3.
c. He was baptized from heaven and not by man Luke 20:4,5.
d. He had the singular privilege, above all OT prophets, to see (face to face), identify and introduce the Messiah to Israel John 1:29-34.
e. He had the singular privilege of baptising the Messiah v33.
f. His ministry was backed up with unusual anointing and he fulfilled his ministry by preparing the ground for the Messiah Luke 3:3-18.
g. He was the greatest of all OT prophets Matthew 11:11.
h. He was fully aware of the miracles of Christ which only the prophesied Messiah could perform v2, Isaiah 35;5,6; 61;1.
I. It should be observed that Satan was strategic. This depression, like that of Elijah, happened when he was at "the last mile of" of his ministry and sojourn on earth.
*Q* How could such a man be doubting the messiahship of Christ while in prison? Matthew 11:2,3?
*Q* If this could happen to a great prophet with such divine credentials, why do you think our ministers today are above discouragements, doubts or depression?
*Q* If this could "happen to the green tree, what of the dry"- the converts and "ordinary" workers and members?
*Lord*, I resolve today to be a source of encouragement and supports to our ministers 🙏
*Lord*, I pray for renewed strength for all our ministers and missionaries to challenge their challenges.
*Lord*, I pray for our ministers that are at "the last mile of the way" that they will have abundant grace to finish well🙏
*Pray* for those who are wounded already that they will receive healing and restoration 🙏

*🎼 HYMN: THE LAST MILE OF THE WAY*

1. If I walk in the pathway of duty,
If I work till the close of the day;
I shall see the great King in His beauty
When I've gone the last mile of the way.

When I've gone the last mile of the way,
I will rest at the close of the day,
And I know there are joys that await me
When I've gone the last mile of the way.

2. If for Christ I proclaim the glad story,
If I seek for His sheep gone astray;
I am sure He will show me His glory
When I've gone the last mile of the way.

3. Here the dearest of ties we must sever,
Tears of sorrow are seen ev'ry day;
But no sickness, no sighing forever
When I've gone the last mile of the way.

4. And if here I have earnestly striven
And have tried all His will to obey;
'Twill enhance all the rapture of heaven
When I've gone the last mile of the way.

*COVER TO COVER: DEUTERONOMY 4-6*

*📜BIBLE ACCOUNT AS THEY OCCUR📜*