HOMILY for April 20, 2016: Commissioning Ceremony

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Commissioning Ceremony

The Institute

April 20, 2016

INCOMPLETE HEALING ++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  This healing is only recorded miracle performed by J where the healing was initially incomplete

Ø  Man needed a 2^nd touch for full restoration

Ø  We can learn a lesson from “walking trees” that enable us 2 follow J more effectively

1^st importance of Friends +++++++++++++++++++

Ø  1^st Bible says friends brought blind man to Jesus

Ø  Friendship’s important 2 God 4 bible says, "2 R better than 1 for when 1 falls the other can pick him up

Ø  Jesus describes his followers as friends

Ø  Proverbs states positive benefit of friends, even if we don't like what they say, becz, "The wounds of a friend R sweeter than kisses of an enemy"

2^nd Some nails need more than one hit ++++++

Ø  2^nd why did Jesus have to touch the man twice?

Ø  Perhaps twas because the affliction was so severe

Ø  There R other biblical examples where repeated efforts R necessary 2 accomplish desired result

Ø  We see J prayed 3x, "Let this cup pass from me"

Ø  Like driving a nail into a piece of wood, you will face some challenges that require more than one strike of the hammer

3^rd Seek additional blessings ++++++++++++++++

Ø  3^rd lesson from this story is seen in the question Jesus asks the blind man, "What do you see?"

Ø  Jesus is seeking to impart revelation to him, not get information from him

Ø  J knew what the man could C, but asked the question wanting the man 2 seek one more touch

Ø  Most people are content w/ a little blessing & R content 2 live w/o the fullness Jesus promises

Ø  Most would have answered question, "What do you see?" w/ "Things R a little blurry, but I'll B OK. When I get little more time, I’ll come back, but I have other things to do first"

Conclusion ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  So we, as Michael and Mike’s community, have brought them this far and they testify to "What they see"

Ø  Our prayer for them as they are commissioned is that that vision continues their conversion to Christ Jesus

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