JESUS EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS!

Ephesians 3:20-21 (Amplified) - “Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams] – To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).”

 

Wherever He went, Jesus exceeded people's expectations.  Every where Jesus went, He had an Impact.  We see how God exceeded people's expectations throughout Scripture...from the Old Testament through the New Testament.

The Hebrew writer said, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8)  Because God is unchanging, we can have confidence in Him.

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”

Do you sometimes feel as though you'll never make progress in your spiritual life?  When God starts a project He finishes it!  When you are discouraged, remember that God won't give up on you!  He promises to finish the work He has begun in you.  When you feel incomplete, unfinished, or distressed by your shortcomings, remember God's promise and provision.  When we learn to have confidence in God we can then have great expectations of Him.

EXAMPLES OF GOD EXCEEDING THE EXPECTATIONS OF HIS PEOPLE:

 

Israel delivered out of Egyptian bondage.

Not only did God deliver Israel out of Egyptian bondage through a series of plagues, but He made a way of escape for them, as well.  When they came to the Red Sea, with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit, God made a way for them!  God not only parted the Red Sea, but they then went across on dry (not muddy) ground!  After they were safely across, God allowed the walls of the Red Sea to collapse onto the army who was closing the gap.  God exceeded their expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

The three Hebrew boys.

 

They refused to bow to the image.  Because of their refusal, they were thrown into a fiery furnace that was heated up seven times hotter than normal.  They had confidence that God would take care of them.  Not only did God spare their lives, He freed them of their bonds and protected them in such a way that not even their hair was singed nor did their clothes smell of smoke!  God was with them in the fire!!!  He exceeded their expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

The man who was sick of the palsy (paralyzed). (Mark 2:1-12).

His friends brought him to Jesus.  Not being able to get close to where Jesus was, they went to the roof and broke up a portion of it and lowered the paralyzed man down to where Jesus was so he could be healed.  The man was looking for healing  Jesus not only healed him, but forgave him his sins also.  Jesus exceeded their expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

The fishermen (Luke 5:1-11).

Jesus used their ship to preach to the crowd.  As they were cleaning their nets after having fished all night and catching nothing, Jesus instructed them to launch out into the deep and let down their nets.  They got so many fish they had to have the second boat come and take some of the load and even at that the boat was so heavy it was beginning to sink.  They were expecting an ordinary day of fishing  But they found the Savior.  Jesus exceeded their expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

Widow whose son died (Luke 7:11-17).

Jesus had compassion on her.  The funeral procession had started.  The widow was resigned to bury her dead son.  Jesus restored her son to life.  He exceeded her expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

The religious leaders (Matthew 12:38-45).

The scribes and Pharisees wanted a miracle.  Jesus offered them the Creator of miracles.  He exceeded their expectations.\  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

Woman with an issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34).

She had constant bleeding which according to Jewish law made her unclean.  Because she was unclean, she was not permitted to have any social contact.  This woman who wanted to be healed touched Jesus.  Jesus helped her to see it was her faith that had healed her.  He exceeded her expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

Five thousand fed with five barley loaves and two fish (John 6:1-15).

Jesus prayed over the food and distributed it with the help of His disciples.  Everyone had as much as they wanted and were all filled!  They even had leftovers – enough to fill twelve baskets!!  The disciples thought the crowd should be sent home because there was no food.  Jesus used a small meal to feed thousands – and there were leftovers!  He exceeded their expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

The death and resurrection of Jesus (John 11:53; 19:30; 20:1-29).

The religious leaders wanted Jesus killed, and got their wish.  But Jesus rose from the dead!  He showed Himself to many of His followers.  He exceeded their expectations.  AND WE SERVE THE SAME GOD TODAY!!!!

Jesus STILL exceeds our expectations!  Remember, Jesus is the same “yesterday, today and for ever”.  What He did then, He still does today.  He is still in the life changing business.  He is still in the soul saving business.  He knows how to save us and keep us.

Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My Name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)  I believe if we stand together in unity, we will see God do marvelous works.  Let's have confidence in God.  Let's be willing to think outside the box of organized religion.  Let's watch Him exceed our expectations!

Until next time…enjoy the journey!

Ray

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