Tag Archives: Matthew

Jeremiah 4, Matthew 15

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Jeremiah 4 was a warning to Israel of the coming invasion by the Babylonians. Yet even in this late stage, God offers Israel hope. If they were to turn again to Him, then He would not send the Babylonians, instead sending a blessing. Israel were serving idols, their hearts were not dedicated to God. They still had priests and some semblance of religion, but it was not serving God.

Jesus also talks about the heart in Matthew 15. The Pharisees and scribes had “made void the word of God” with their traditions, and Jesus applies the words of Isaiah to them, “this people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me”. Jesus warns the people that “what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person”.

The heart of Israel was unfaithful, from the times of Jeremiah and Isaiah through to the time of Jesus. This is a warning to us as well, to be aware of what is in our heart and ensure it is dedicated to God rather than ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 5

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Ecclesiastes 5 offers some advice on the importance of listening. “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools”. James quotes this in James 1v19, “let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger”.

Amongst all the advice we’re given, listening carefully doesn’t feature prominently, but the way we listen is a good indicator of our relationship. With someone we barely know, listening is very superficial, their words soon forgotten. But we pay careful attention to the words of someone we know well or want to know better. The same applies to our relationship with God – listening carefully is an important aspect.

Jesus used the phrase “he who has ears to hear, let him hear”. A bit of hyperbole, since we all have ears, but attentive listening can easily be neglected in today’s busy world.  Unlike Israel, who “with their ears they can barely hear”, we have the chance to really hear and understand, “blessed are… your ears, for they hear”. So let’s take the time to “draw near to listen”, both to the needs of each other, and also the “wisdom from above”.

Psalms 131-134

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Psalms 131-134 form part of the songs of ascent, short poignant songs that seem designed to have been sung. All 15 of them focus on hope, most in a cheerful manner.

Today’s Psalms encourage the listener to be quiet and calm of mind, remind of God’s choice in Israel and Zion, and use a similie to describe the benefits of unity.

“I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul… O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.” There were many events in David’s life that could not readily be understood or fixed. Rather than worrying over things outside his control, David instead meditates, focusing on God and the eternal hope He had promised. 

We can use the same approach to avoid being overcome by the cares of the world that can choke the word, leading us to become unfruitful. Instead, take the advice of Jesus, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

Psalm 46, Matthew 28

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In Psalm 46, David writes “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”

Matt 28 gives us another reason to trust in God.  Jesus was no longer in the tomb when the two Marys went to find him, because “he has risen, as he said”.  This phrase encompasses the hope we’ve been given. Firstly, that Jesus’ words were true, and secondly, that he was indeed raised from the dead.  God kept His promise to Jesus, that he would not “let [Jesus] see corruption”, and through that promise, extends a glorious hope to us all.

Therefore, no matter what happens in the earth, we have no need to be afraid. God is our refuge and strength too, willing and able to help us through the troubles of this life.  “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress”.

Genesis 41, Matthew 27

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In Genesis 41 we read Joseph was in prison for 2 years after Pharaoh’s cupbearer was restored to his position and the chief baker hanged. Pharaoh had his two famous dreams about the cows and the corn, and Joseph was called upon to interpret them.

Joseph hadn’t lost his faith in those 2 years; he attributes the interpretation of the dream to God, “God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do”. In a land that knew very little about the God of Abraham, Joseph is not afraid to speak openly of his faith. So Joseph is elevated to second in charge, and the dreams come to pass as Joseph had said. Even in this elevated position Joseph doesn’t forget God, naming his 2 sons after the blessings provided by God.

In Matthew 27 we read of another faithful Joseph, who risked his life begging for the body of Jesus, prepared the body and placed it in his own tomb.  Both Josephs demonstrated their faith despite the personal risks, an example to encourage us and remind us to show our faith in action.

Genesis 36, Matthew 23

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In Genesis 36 we find genealogies of Esau. There is a little comment “These are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the Israelites”. Israel was never supposed to have a king, their leader was God. By contrast, the Edomites served many gods, and had great and mighty leaders that led them into battle. They were focused on appearances.

Jesus warns of the dangers of appearances in Matthew 23. He tells the crowds and disciples to beware of the scribes and Pharisees, to do as they say but “not the works they do”. Jesus condemns them as hypocrites. He also tells the crowds where our focus should be, “you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Rather than being like the Edomite kings, exalting oneself above all others, Jesus highlights the importance of following his instruction, and of serving others.

 

Genesis 31, Matthew 20

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Today’s readings share a theme of service, a juxtaposition between Jacob’s service for Laban, and Jesus’ parable of the labourers in the vineyard.

Jacob had served Laban for 20 years, during which time Laban had changed Jacob’s wages 10 times.  Jacob said “You know that I have served your father with all my strength, yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me”. Laban was constantly trying to deceive and cheat Jacob, an attribute that Rachel learned from her father, stealing the household idols when Jacob’s household finally left Laban. But God was always watching over Jacob and ensuring that the blessing he received from Isaac came to pass.

In the parable of the labourers, each labourer agreed to work for a denarius, whether early morning or 11th hour. Each was paid exactly as they agreed,  a contrast to Jacob’s ever changing wages.

We have all been called on to work in that vineyard, to serve, just as “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve”. We can be confident that the “wages” won’t change. God is faithful and unchanging, His promises don’t change. We can serve God and each other now, looking forward to the same future glory promised to those of old.

Matthew 19, Psalm 34

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When Jesus answered the rich young man’s question about entering the kingdom of God, he said to sell everything and follow him. The disciples were astonished, and ask Jesus “Who then can be saved? But Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Salvation is a gift from God, not something man can achieve.

David experienced this need for God’s involvement in his life on a number of occasions. Pretending to be mad in front of Achish, king of Gath, was one such occasion. He wrote Psalm 34 about the experience, and the need to rely on God. “This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles … Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him”. He concludes the Psalm with “The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”

We have been redeemed by God’s work alone. He has provided for us, and will hear when we call. No problem is too great, with God all things are possible.

Genesis 26, Psalm 31, Matthew 16

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In Genesis 26, Isaac is reminded 3 times that God is with him. Although he listens to God and doesn’t go into Egypt to avoid a famine, Isaac still repeats his father’s mistake of describing his wife as his sister for fear of death. Despite this, God forgives Isaac, repeating to him the blessings of Abraham. Encouraging to see God’s love clearly demonstrated despite Isaac’s mistake.

David in Psalm 31 describes the comfort and refuge he feels as a result of God being with him.  “In you, O Lord, do I take refuge… incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily… into your hand I commit my spirit“. During his time of distress, David recognises God would care for him, even when everyone else has forsaken him. “He has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city… you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.”

David encourages us put our trust in God. “Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful…be strong, and let your heart take courage.“ As does Jesus, in Matthew 16, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me”.

Matthew 13

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In Matthew 13 we read of Jesus teaching first the multitudes then just the disciples about the kingdom of God through parables.  He taught the multitudes only in parables, fulfilling the words of a Messianic psalm. We sometimes skip over the smaller parables in this chapter, but they give an amazing insight into how we should live today.

“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.” In a sense, the kingdom is hidden. It is a strange idea, seemingly foolishness, so foreign to natural thinking. Yet in our hearts the hope and influence and principles take hold and spread to fill our whole life.

We have been caught up in the net, given the chance to really see and hear the hope of a glorious future. It is a hidden treasure, something we must find and get and hold on to with all our might, but also one that we must share with everyone.