It’s safe to say that of the four Gospels, the book of Matthew is my go-to. I love that it is clear, honest and doesn’t pull any punches with regard to who Jesus is and what He expects of us with regards to how we live our lives. From the Sermon on the Mount, through the parables, the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission. You could read through this one Gospel and have a whole new level of understanding with regards to who our Savior is, what He’s done for us, and how He has called us to live.
Everything about this Gospel (all of them actually) points to God’s Sovereignty through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ with a foretelling of the Spirit to come that will enable us to do and be what we were created for. Whenever I am struggling with some aspect of my life; in my family, in my ministry, in my relationships, I can look to this book and find answers. I will find answers that confirm, and answers that convict. The Holy Spirit will reveal to me new truths and provide the direction and discernment that I’m asking for.
In Matthew chapter 6 we read a litany of worldly problems that we allow to distract us, Jesus answer to those problems is very simple, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
Jesus answer to all our problems, challenges, suffering, questions, etc. is to seek God first in all things. I know that in my own life it is easy to say, and harder to do, especially in the emotional moment. I am a problem solver by nature and my practical problem solving side kicks in and I’m operating in my own knowledge and not in Gods. 1 Corinthians 1:20-25 tells us, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
My prayer, on this last day before the breaking through of 2021, is to seek first the kingdom of God, to seek his wisdom and his knowledge, not what this world considers to be wise, which is foolishness to God. I pray that before I speak, act, decide, and emote, that I measure each with the wisdom that the Holy Spirit provides to me through Scripture, and prayer.
I pray that this new year brings restoration for families, peace for each heart, and most especially a revival in the Church. Our world is hurting, reeling, and desperately seeking for an anchor. Christ is that anchor, Christ is what the world needs, Christ is the only one who can save us from the storm that is blowing all around us.
If you are looking for answers and are uncertain where to turn, I encourage you to pick up a Bible and read the book of Matthew. It won’t take days and days, it’s easy to understand, it will challenge your thinking, break your heart, give you hope, and prepare you for the life you have been called to live with Jesus in your heart. What harm could it do, none. However, the hope it will bring can change your life and provide answers to questions you’ve been asking.
Happy New Year dear ones, may it bring you abounding blessings, deep love of God through Christ Jesus and a life made whole by the gift of His Salvation.
Please help me share the good news of Jesus and how He can change your life, and our world!
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