Matthew 3:1-3 (HCSB) In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea and saying, "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!" For he is the one spoken of through the prophet Isaiah, who said: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!"
Matthew 3:13-15 (HCSB) Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. But John tried to stop Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and yet You come to me?" Jesus answered him, "Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him to be baptized.
As a parent, one of the first things you think about when you have a child (usually even before the child is born), "How am I going to provide for them?" Our love for our children drives us to be concerned about both little and big things in their lives. Do we have enough food? Does he/she have enough clothes? Are they warm or cold? What will their personality be like? Will I be a good parent for them? What will they want to be when they grow up? Will they go to college? How will I pay for college? And the list goes on and on. Having a child drives a parent to want to prepare a way for them in this world.
That's what God did before the birth of Jesus. God sent a messenger ahead of Jesus just as he had sent prophets before. Over the generations from Abraham until the time of Jesus life on earth, God was telling his children that He is providing a way. From the time of Adam, He has been preparing a way.
Then, when Jesus came to John for baptism, he was also preparing the way for us as believers. He provided a visible, outward example of surrendering yourself and your desires to accept the plans and desires of God in your life. This was the beginning of His ministry and it was important that he demonstrate His submission to God as the author of His ministry.
Take Refuge, God has prepared a way for you. Now it's up to you whether you will follow it.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Matthew 2 - They Saw a Star
Matthew continues telling us of the prophecies fulfilled during the early years of Christ's life here on earth. Of course, as we saw in Matthew 1, the prophecies about his lineage were clearly fulfilled and now in chapter 2 we see Matthew continuing to document the prophecies of his early childhood that were fulfilled: the location of His birth (2:6); God calling His son out of Egypt (2:15); the death of the Hebrew children as Herod tried to kill the "King of the Jews" (2:18); and that he would be called a Nazarene (2:23).
As I read through this and studied the verses, I realized that my image of the wise men and their journey was incorrect. I've always heard the story that they followed the star when actually they saw the star and then from the prophecy knew where to go (Matt 2:2 and 2:6). When they had completed their journey and sought news from Herod as to the whereabouts of the child, he didn't know what they were talking about. So they continued to Bethlehem as the prophecy foretold. Then, when they returned to the directions provided, they saw the star again leading them to where Jesus was and they rejoiced (Matt 2:9).
Matthew Henry writes in great detail about the idolatry of the eastern religions and how God used a star to speak to them in a manner that they would understand and be drawn to Him. "Thus the stars that had been misused came to be put to the right use, to lead men to Christ; the gods of the heathen became his servants."
What I see here that draws me in is that God called even the godless to come to Bethlehem and worship the Messiah. He called them in a manner that they would understand and He provided them with direction (Micah 5:2 which Matthew quotes in 2:6). Imagine a 2-year journey with camels and horses or mules. Think of all the events that probably occurred that could have easily caused the Magi to turn around and go home. I can only imagine all the things that Satan would have wanted to do to stop their arrival and their heralding of Christ as the King of the Jews. Yet, they came. God made sure of that.
What is your star? How has God called you in a way that you would uniquely understand? Remember, when He called the Magi, He knew it would take them a long time to get where they were going. And, He knew He would have to protect them and ensure they actually got there. He is ready to do the same thing for you.
Take Refuge, God sends "stars" for all of us. We just have to be ready to follow them.
As I read through this and studied the verses, I realized that my image of the wise men and their journey was incorrect. I've always heard the story that they followed the star when actually they saw the star and then from the prophecy knew where to go (Matt 2:2 and 2:6). When they had completed their journey and sought news from Herod as to the whereabouts of the child, he didn't know what they were talking about. So they continued to Bethlehem as the prophecy foretold. Then, when they returned to the directions provided, they saw the star again leading them to where Jesus was and they rejoiced (Matt 2:9).
Matthew Henry writes in great detail about the idolatry of the eastern religions and how God used a star to speak to them in a manner that they would understand and be drawn to Him. "Thus the stars that had been misused came to be put to the right use, to lead men to Christ; the gods of the heathen became his servants."
What I see here that draws me in is that God called even the godless to come to Bethlehem and worship the Messiah. He called them in a manner that they would understand and He provided them with direction (Micah 5:2 which Matthew quotes in 2:6). Imagine a 2-year journey with camels and horses or mules. Think of all the events that probably occurred that could have easily caused the Magi to turn around and go home. I can only imagine all the things that Satan would have wanted to do to stop their arrival and their heralding of Christ as the King of the Jews. Yet, they came. God made sure of that.
What is your star? How has God called you in a way that you would uniquely understand? Remember, when He called the Magi, He knew it would take them a long time to get where they were going. And, He knew He would have to protect them and ensure they actually got there. He is ready to do the same thing for you.
Take Refuge, God sends "stars" for all of us. We just have to be ready to follow them.
Matthew 1 - God Had a Plan
As I start a new adventure with this blog, the men in my church are starting a new 30-day challenge. This time, it is the book of Matthew. As I read Matthew, it is helpful to keep in mind that Matthew specifically wrote his gospel to the Jews. Many of the passages relate events and perspectives that are of particular interest to the Jewish culture. This is true in Matthew 1:1-16.
Many call this the "begats" as Matthew documents the generations from Abraham to Joseph. From a Jewish perspective, this is particularly important because the male role in the culture is predominant. As I read through the lineage; however, I see a plan unfolding.
Listed in the genealogy are Tamar (the daughter-in-law of Judah who seduced him and bore his child), Rahab (the harlot who helped the Hebrews when they came to Jericho), Ruth (the Moabite woman who followed Naomi back to Bethlehem) and Bathsheba (the woman David took from Uriah by having him killed). Matthew brings out in particular the names of four women in a genealogy that is focused on the lineage of the men. Two women who were not even Jews and two who were adulteresses.
In keeping with God's promise to both Abraham and David, the Messiah was descended from both of them. Also included in this section is the time or exile to Babylon when the nation of Israel was being punished for their unfaithfulness to God. But, again as prophesied, the nation returned to Jerusalem and the lineage continued.
Matthew documented 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile and 14 from the exile to Jesus the Christ. Through 42 generations, God continued to work His plan. Through good kings and bad kings, through good men and women and through bad men and women, generation after generation God had a plan. He knew long before Abraham was born what this plan would be and when he promised to Abraham that the whole world would be blessed through his seed (Gen 12:3 and Gen 22:18), He knew how that plan would unfold.
As Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:28 - HCSB). Jesus came for all of us regardless of background, race or creed. As Matthew Henry writes, "We ought not to upbraid people with the scandals of their ancestors; it is what they cannot help, and has been the lot of the best, even of our Master himself."
Take Refuge, my friend. God has a plan. He has always had a plan and He will continue to execute that plan until the day that Christ returns.
Many call this the "begats" as Matthew documents the generations from Abraham to Joseph. From a Jewish perspective, this is particularly important because the male role in the culture is predominant. As I read through the lineage; however, I see a plan unfolding.
Listed in the genealogy are Tamar (the daughter-in-law of Judah who seduced him and bore his child), Rahab (the harlot who helped the Hebrews when they came to Jericho), Ruth (the Moabite woman who followed Naomi back to Bethlehem) and Bathsheba (the woman David took from Uriah by having him killed). Matthew brings out in particular the names of four women in a genealogy that is focused on the lineage of the men. Two women who were not even Jews and two who were adulteresses.
In keeping with God's promise to both Abraham and David, the Messiah was descended from both of them. Also included in this section is the time or exile to Babylon when the nation of Israel was being punished for their unfaithfulness to God. But, again as prophesied, the nation returned to Jerusalem and the lineage continued.
Matthew documented 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile and 14 from the exile to Jesus the Christ. Through 42 generations, God continued to work His plan. Through good kings and bad kings, through good men and women and through bad men and women, generation after generation God had a plan. He knew long before Abraham was born what this plan would be and when he promised to Abraham that the whole world would be blessed through his seed (Gen 12:3 and Gen 22:18), He knew how that plan would unfold.
As Paul writes, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal 3:28 - HCSB). Jesus came for all of us regardless of background, race or creed. As Matthew Henry writes, "We ought not to upbraid people with the scandals of their ancestors; it is what they cannot help, and has been the lot of the best, even of our Master himself."
Take Refuge, my friend. God has a plan. He has always had a plan and He will continue to execute that plan until the day that Christ returns.
Friday, March 11, 2011
2 Peter 3 - God Is Waiting for You
2 Peter 3:9-12 (HCSB), "The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that [day] the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, [it is clear] what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be on fire and be dissolved, and the elements will melt with the heat."
Peter warns of scoffers who think God isn't coming. And he warns of false teachers who will try to lead us away. But more importantly, he reminds us that, while God doesn't want any to perish, the day is coming when God will say, time's up. What are you doing with the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Have you responded to His call or are you still "thinking about it" and biding your time? Do you know others who are still thinking it over? Have you encouraged them lately to make a decision for Christ?
God is waiting, but the waiting will end. Knowing that, Peter reminds us how to live our lives "in holy conduct and godliness." When others see you, do they see Christ in you?
I could quote dozens of passages here giving examples of what God expects of us and what He has promised us. I challenge you to look through some of the other postings here and see examples of God's promises. But, the real question is, "What are you going to do about it?" Has God called you to a special task that you are not following? Have you chosen to live you life for your self rather than God? When others see you, do they think you look like you are just living in the world or do you look more like you are OF the world? God is waiting patiently "not wanting any to perish." What are you doing with the time?
As Joshua said, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24;15 (NKJV). Now is the time to respond to whatever God is doing in your life. There is no time like the present to put God first and follow wherever He is leading.
Take refuge in the knowledge that wherever you are right now, God will lead you from there. He is waiting for you.
Peter warns of scoffers who think God isn't coming. And he warns of false teachers who will try to lead us away. But more importantly, he reminds us that, while God doesn't want any to perish, the day is coming when God will say, time's up. What are you doing with the knowledge of Jesus Christ? Have you responded to His call or are you still "thinking about it" and biding your time? Do you know others who are still thinking it over? Have you encouraged them lately to make a decision for Christ?
God is waiting, but the waiting will end. Knowing that, Peter reminds us how to live our lives "in holy conduct and godliness." When others see you, do they see Christ in you?
I could quote dozens of passages here giving examples of what God expects of us and what He has promised us. I challenge you to look through some of the other postings here and see examples of God's promises. But, the real question is, "What are you going to do about it?" Has God called you to a special task that you are not following? Have you chosen to live you life for your self rather than God? When others see you, do they think you look like you are just living in the world or do you look more like you are OF the world? God is waiting patiently "not wanting any to perish." What are you doing with the time?
As Joshua said, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24;15 (NKJV). Now is the time to respond to whatever God is doing in your life. There is no time like the present to put God first and follow wherever He is leading.
Take refuge in the knowledge that wherever you are right now, God will lead you from there. He is waiting for you.
2 Peter 2 - The Lord Knows
2 Peter 2:9 (HCSB), "then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment"
Peter talks of God being willing to destroy the world by flood and rescue Noah. And, how God rescued Lot before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. God is just. He sees our heart and He is ready to "rescue the godly from trials." Our trials may be caused by Satan's attacks against us. But sometimes, our trials are of our own making. Whether it be rebellion against something God has taught us or ignoring God's calling to something greater in our life, we create for ourselves trials and problems.
God knows the unrighteous, the ones who stand against Him, the ones who would do us harm because we believe in Him. Even though we don't always see God's judgement of them as he did with Sodom and Gomorrah, we know God's promises and His faithfulness to do what he says. Knowing that, we know that the unrighteous will be judged and found wanting by a holy and just God.
Remember, that God's know the godly and the unrighteous. He knows our hearts and He will help us through whatever comes our way just as He promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB), "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it." Whatever the temptation, He is able to help us. Whatever Satan throws at us, we have a God who is greater. He has already won the battle.
Take refuge, the Lord knows your heart and He knows what is coming your way even before you do. He will prepare you for whatever comes.
Peter talks of God being willing to destroy the world by flood and rescue Noah. And, how God rescued Lot before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah. God is just. He sees our heart and He is ready to "rescue the godly from trials." Our trials may be caused by Satan's attacks against us. But sometimes, our trials are of our own making. Whether it be rebellion against something God has taught us or ignoring God's calling to something greater in our life, we create for ourselves trials and problems.
God knows the unrighteous, the ones who stand against Him, the ones who would do us harm because we believe in Him. Even though we don't always see God's judgement of them as he did with Sodom and Gomorrah, we know God's promises and His faithfulness to do what he says. Knowing that, we know that the unrighteous will be judged and found wanting by a holy and just God.
Remember, that God's know the godly and the unrighteous. He knows our hearts and He will help us through whatever comes our way just as He promised in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB), "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it." Whatever the temptation, He is able to help us. Whatever Satan throws at us, we have a God who is greater. He has already won the battle.
Take refuge, the Lord knows your heart and He knows what is coming your way even before you do. He will prepare you for whatever comes.
2 Peter 1 - Prize Winner
2 Peter 1:3 (HCSB), "For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires."
Do you remember your school days when teams were arranged by 2 "captains" picking one by one? Were you ever the last one picked? Sometimes, like a draft in a professional sport, the ones who don't get picked don't get to play at all. Now let's take that n a different direction. Imagine you are at an event with 100,000 spectators and they are drawing from the ticket holders to give away a wonderful prize. You are the one called our from the crowd and awarded the prize.
That's what Peter is talking about. As a child of God, you are a ticket holder. Your ticket was a free gift, given to you when you accepted Christ as your Savior. The prize is "everything required for life and godliness". God called you out "by His own glory and goodness." You did nothing to earn it and you certainly don't deserve it. Yet, you get the prize!
Why would He give to anyone such a precious prize? Included in the prize are "very great and precious promises." Jesus was the promised Messiah. He paid the price for your ticket. Among the great and precious promises are: eternal life with the Father; having the Holy Spirit in and among us to guide us as we follow God; gifts provided by God to equip us along the way; the knowledge and assurance that God is able and faithful to complete all that He starts in us; and the list could go on and on.
Take refuge that you are a prize winner. YOU have been called by God. And in responding to His call, you will receive "very great and precious promises."
Do you remember your school days when teams were arranged by 2 "captains" picking one by one? Were you ever the last one picked? Sometimes, like a draft in a professional sport, the ones who don't get picked don't get to play at all. Now let's take that n a different direction. Imagine you are at an event with 100,000 spectators and they are drawing from the ticket holders to give away a wonderful prize. You are the one called our from the crowd and awarded the prize.
That's what Peter is talking about. As a child of God, you are a ticket holder. Your ticket was a free gift, given to you when you accepted Christ as your Savior. The prize is "everything required for life and godliness". God called you out "by His own glory and goodness." You did nothing to earn it and you certainly don't deserve it. Yet, you get the prize!
Why would He give to anyone such a precious prize? Included in the prize are "very great and precious promises." Jesus was the promised Messiah. He paid the price for your ticket. Among the great and precious promises are: eternal life with the Father; having the Holy Spirit in and among us to guide us as we follow God; gifts provided by God to equip us along the way; the knowledge and assurance that God is able and faithful to complete all that He starts in us; and the list could go on and on.
Take refuge that you are a prize winner. YOU have been called by God. And in responding to His call, you will receive "very great and precious promises."
Thursday, March 10, 2011
1 Peter 5 - The Blessing
1 Peter 5:10 (HCSB), "Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little."
In this chapter, Peter talks about how believers will suffer, just as Christ suffered. And, in the closing of this letter, Peter gives a blessing to the church reminding us all, once again, of the promise that Jesus has provided for us.
It doesn't matter what you have gone through. You may be a Christian with a miraculous testimony of how God saved you from a life of sin. You may be a Christian who grew up in a Christian home, accepted Christ at an early age and has always lived your life for Christ. Whatever your story, whatever your struggle, Jesus understood them all.
Regardless of our struggle, we can claim the promise 1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB), "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it."
Take Refuge in your struggle remembering that Jesus knows what you are going through and He will be there to go through it with you.
In this chapter, Peter talks about how believers will suffer, just as Christ suffered. And, in the closing of this letter, Peter gives a blessing to the church reminding us all, once again, of the promise that Jesus has provided for us.
It doesn't matter what you have gone through. You may be a Christian with a miraculous testimony of how God saved you from a life of sin. You may be a Christian who grew up in a Christian home, accepted Christ at an early age and has always lived your life for Christ. Whatever your story, whatever your struggle, Jesus understood them all.
Regardless of our struggle, we can claim the promise 1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB), "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape, so that you are able to bear it."
Take Refuge in your struggle remembering that Jesus knows what you are going through and He will be there to go through it with you.
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