I know that it's been a while, and I'm getting more and more behind on the challenge - especially since I started late to begin with, but I'm going to make a real effort to catch up this week. Seems like a good time to play 'catch up' when I'm trying to establish my routines anyway! Looking forward to seeing what lessons the Lord may have for me!!
Matthew 2
I know this may seem like an insignificant thing, but I had never realized before, but God had Joseph take Mary and now not a baby, Jesus to Nazareth instead of Bethlehem for what might have been a very considerate reason. Not just for the benefit of the family, but out of compassion for the many hundreds of families, and mothers more specifically, who had lost their boys during Herod's killing spree. Can you imagine how hard it would have been to see a little boy the age that you know your son would have been?
The new ruler was no threat, even though Joseph thought he was, but rather maybe the move was all in God's plan to save the sadness of the families in Bethlehem. It wouldn't surprise me - - God is very loving like that.
Matthew 3
"Bear fruit in keeping with repentance"
Matt. 3:8
These, no doubt, harshly spoken words by John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees, really offer a stinging challenge to us today. Personally, am I bearing "fruit in keeping with repentance"? Does my life reflect the repentance of heart that I should have?
Ouch! A question given in another time for another group of people, but still very challenging for us today. (Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever - Hebrews 13:8)
Matthew 4
Goodness! A lot in a relatively short chapter considering it contains the temptation of Christ, the beginning of His ministry, and the calling of His first disciples. WOW! bunches of lessons here. . .
One of the things that seemed to stand out most to me was the three little words repeated TWICE with the calling of the disciples - "Immediately they left." Seems simple enough to understand, but a lot harder to actually do when it comes down to me being obedient to His call. If my story were there it would probably have included an "After she _____." How sad is that?! The living, breathing, God of the universe is calling me, and I'm putting Him on hold until I finish what I am wanting to do.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for being such a compassionate and caring God. Help me to live a life that bears the fruit of repentance and includes immediate obedience. It's not always easy, but it is my reasonable service and my spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)
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