Matthew 2 - 7.2.26

SCRIPTURE - Matthew 2: The Return to Nazareth

19 After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt 20 and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

21 So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, 23 and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

OBSERVATION

The book of Matthew’s focus is on:

·        Visit of the Wise Men/Magi (philosophers/astronomers) from the East who followed a star and fulfilled the prophecy of the birth of Jesus as the promised Messiah. 

·        King Herod's fear of losing power when he heard of the prophesy and when he couldn’t find baby Jesus, he ordered that all babies born in the past two years be killed. The massacre of the infants reveals the harsh realities of Herod's tyranny and the cost of God’s divine purpose to send our savior.

·        Joseph, the father of Jesus, and how God spoke to him in protecting his “son”, and he took Mary and baby Jesus, and escaped to Egypt then to Nazareth.

·        And after Herod had died again God spoke to Joseph and he brought them back to live in a town called Nazareth which fulfills the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene, emphasizing His humble beginnings.

APPLICATION

When we think about that time in history:

Gift of prophesies: Given to only certain men God chose who believed and searched for the promised messiah.

Birth of baby Jesus, the promised Messiah:  It is hard to imagine living under rulership of a satanical king that ordered killing babies when he heard of the birth of the Messiah.

Joseph's obedience that demonstrates faith and protection for his family: fleeing/moving to Egypt then Nazareth.  A country where, perhaps, no family or friends lived and having to find work to support his family.

AND today I think of all the responsibility husbands and fathers have in protecting and leading their families-- and how mothers take great care of their children and their homes and help by working, as well. 

Children are our blessings.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, such a precious story of how welcomed YOU were into the world and how your family took such great care of you. And of the “wise” men who believed in the books your prophets had written.  I am humbled on bended knees of all you and your family went through.  A precious baby boy that grew up in hearing GOD’s word in the temple; taught GOD’S word; healed people who asked or that you found in your journeys.  And how you knew what would happen to you to complete the prophesy of our savior. Thank you Lord Jesus, let me never forget all you went through.  And all your family and your disciples went through.  ALL WITH SUCH PASSION.  Lord Jesus, I want passion to tell others of you! I love your precious words in our bible.  Lord, I want to hear you, I want to KNOW YOU MORE!  I love this song.

Lord, I Want To Know You -- (words and music by Luke Mercer)
I really want to know You.  I really want to know You, know You, know You, Lord in a very real way.

LORD, thank you for the blessings of my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I know you are with me, and my family as we go into our day…thank you my Father! 

AMEN

- Charleen Zakarian

Exodus 18 - 7.1.26

Scripture: Exodus 18:20

Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.

Observation

In Exodus 18, the Israelites have safely made their way out of Egypt. Moses is their leader and he's very busy! It's a big job. His father-in-law Jethro gives him some advice: you can't, and shouldn't, do it on your own. He tells Moses to teach them, train them up, and show them how to follow God, and to appoint others who are mature to do the same. This is the model of discipleship.

Application

I have a very bad habit of wanting to handle things on my own. If I'm honest, I'd say it stems from a combination of not wanting to inconvenience others and pride. On one hand, why would I bother others, when I can just do it myself? And on the other hand, most of the time I like how I do things! But these attitudes are not benefiting me or others and they are not God's design for us. God calls us to invest in others and help them grow.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.

Making disciples is more than just telling people about Jesus, it is teaching and modeling how to follow him. Jesus did this with his disciples. He built relationships - spending time with them, investing in them, training them, and praying for them. Discipleship is about multiplication - as we help others grow, they in turn, disciple and lead others.

2 Timothy 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.

Through discipleship, we invest, equip, and help grow mature followers of God.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember that you have called each of us (including me!) to disciple others. Change my mindset from I'll do it on my own, to who do you want me to bring with me along the way. I pray that you will continue your work in me and through me.

- Debbie Dunn

Revelation 22 - 6.30.26

Scripture: Revelation 22:20-21

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

Observation

This is the last chapter in Revelation and the verses I highlighted are the last 2 verses of Revelation (and God’s Word) also. “To the very end, the Book of Revelation emphasizes readiness and watchfulness. If we miss this practical lesson from the Book of Revelation – the lesson of readiness – then we miss the essential message of the book.” (enduringword.com)

Here are a few verses about being prepared and watchful for our Master’s return.

Luke 12:42-46

The Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?  It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.  Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, ‘My master is taking a long time in coming,’ and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk.  The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of.  He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.”

Application

Are we prepared and ready for the Lord’s coming?

When we live in light of eternity and His 2nd coming, there should be a shift in our priorities and mindset.

I found an article on desiringgod.com, from an interview with Pastor John Piper about how we are to practically prepare for the 2nd coming of Christ. He listed 3 things:

1. Pursue Christlikeness now. (Spend time with Jesus and imitate our lives after Him.)

2. Ready yourself for suffering. (Put on our armor and be in God’s Word daily so that we could recognize false prophets and the lies of the enemy and endure until the end.)

3. Work faithfully for Christ. (Whatever God has called us to do for His Kingdom, do it diligently and faithfully.)

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the book of Revelation that points to the fact that You are coming back. I do not want to be found unready when you return. May we be watchful and ready in our daily lives until that day comes. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi