Tag Archives: Matthew

In Psalm 19, David describes both creation and God’s law as beautiful, glorifying God. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork”, then later “the law of the Lord is perfect”, the precepts are right, the commandment is pure, the rules are true. Both are helpful for reflection and meditation, as David concludes “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight”.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 provide a similar comparison. Jesus recognised God’s majesty as “Lord of heaven and earth”, and also the need to listen (“he who has ears to hear, let him hear“) and act accordingly (“take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls”).

We too can be inspired by the majesty of creation, the awe-inspiring scale of the universe, and the beauty of nature, to dedicate our lives to giving God glory.

While eating at the house of Matthew, Jesus tells the Pharisees to learn the meaning of Hosea 6v6, which he quotes. “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Love and knowledge take more time and effort to develop than simply sacrifices and rule following. David appreciated this when he wrote Psalm 17. He knew that the love of God and a close relationship was vital for surviving the trials of life. “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me; hear my words. Wondrously show your steadfast love, O Savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.”

He also knew the importance of knowledge. “by the word of your lips I have avoided the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”

In Psalm 11-13, David continues the theme of God being a place of refuge. He writes “in the LORD I take refuge”.  Of the poor and needy, David writes “You, O LORD, will keep them; you will guard us from this generation for ever”.  Psalm 13 concludes “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation”.

Jesus mentions a similar idea when he encourages us to ask, seek and knock. Like earthly fathers, so will our “Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” God is pleased when we seek to develop our relationship with Him, recognise the need to do His will, and take refuge in Him.

In Psalm 9, David praises and thanks God for His guidance and care. David acknowledges that “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed… those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

In Psalm 10, the Psalmist writes that God can appear to “hide … in times of trouble” while the wicked prey on the innocent, poor and helpless.  But the Psalmist concludes “you do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands”.  Not only does God see the actions of the wicked, He hears “the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear”.

Some of these ideas are picked up by Jesus in Matthew 6.  On the subject of alms, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Jesus encouraged his disciples to lay up treasure in heaven, and not to “be anxious about your life”, knowing that God watches over all creation, even the birds of the air.  Instead, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”.

David reminds us of God’s great compassion and care for us. “O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.”  God hears our cries and prayers, no matter whether we’re rejoicing or grieving.  With God’s support David could say “I shall never be moved. By your favour, O Lord, you made my mountain stand strong“.

In Jesus’ life we see the same compassion demonstrated. Matthew 15 records that Jesus went up a mountain, as he often did to spend time alone with his God. Great crowds of people followed, bringing many sick people, yet Jesus heals them all.

Let us follow David’s example, rely on God for strength in the trials and joys of life, and demonstrate the care and compassion we see in Jesus’ life to those around us.

In Psalm 19, David describes the glory of creation juxtaposed with God’s perfect law.  “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork… the law of the Lord is perfect”, the precepts are right, the commandment is pure, the rules are true. Both creation and the keeping of God’s commandments serve to glorify God.  David concludes these thoughts by praying “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.”

Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 provide a similar comparison. Jesus recognised God’s majesty as “Lord of heaven and earth”, and also the need to listen (“he who has ears to hear, let him hear“) and act accordingly (“take my yoke upon you, and learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls”).

Similarly, we can be inspired by the majesty of creation, the awe-inspiring scale of the universe, and the beauty of nature, to dedicate our lives to giving God glory.

Jesus provides advice and encouragement to his disciples about preaching, and the same applies to us. A disciple should “be like his teacher, and the servant like his master”.  We need not be afraid of preaching, God is watching over us and knows more about us than we ourselves know. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul…even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven”.

The disciples faced the same fears and concerns about preaching that we often feel, yet they were encouraged by Jesus to preach regardless.

We find evidence of God’s care for us in David’s writings also. “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold… In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”  We can take comfort in the knowledge that God is watching over us, and hears our cries and prayers no matter how distant He seems.