Tag Archives: Matthew

1 Samuel 17, Isaiah 61, Matthew 6

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In 1 Samuel 17 we first read of the faith of David, some insight into why he was chosen by God to be king. David’s faith was real and living, enabled him to vigorously defend God’s chosen people against “this uncircumcised Philistine.”  David realised that God “saves not with sword and spear”, but with faith demonstrated in one’s life.

It is living faith in God that “brings good news to the poor…liberty to the captives…comfort to all who mourn…garment of praise instead of a faint spirit”.  Isaiah goes on to say “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness.”

Jesus continues his sermon on the mount with practical advice for living a Godly life. Prayer is a vital aspect, as is correct perspective. We have no need to be anxious, knowing that God cares for us just as he does the birds of the air. Let us “lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven”, looking after the needs of others and maintaining a close relationship with God.

1 Samuel 15, Isaiah 59, Matthew 3-4

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Today we read of Saul continuing in his efforts to please the people of Israel, rather than following God’s instructions delivered through Samuel. Saul is again rebuked, “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.”

God is more interested in the effort we put into serving Him, than the times which we fail. God’s “hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear.” Isaiah’s message to Israel condemned them for “denying the Lord, and turning back from following our God.”  Hiding from God is not the answer when we fall down.

God’s “own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.” God has reached out to offer us salvation through His beloved Son.  Let’s follow Jesus’ advice when he said “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.“

Psalms 46-48, Matthew 28

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I love how the readings line up some days. In the Psalms, David says “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 a reason for us to trust in God in a similar way to David.  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”.

It is only a short term until David’s words will reflect reality, “God is the Kind of all the earth…God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne”

Genesis 39-40, Psalms 40, Matthew 26

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The fact that God was with Joseph is emphasised numerous times in these chapters of Gensis. Yet that didn’t mean Joseph had an easy life. Even in a foreign country, Joseph doesn’t abandon his beliefs in order to fit in. He flees temptation when it appears, and even though Joseph seems to be punished for doing so, by being jailed, he doesn’t abandon his beliefs in God.

David similarly maintained his reliance on God in times of trouble. Even while he felt that God had “made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. All day long my disgrace is before me, and shame has covered my face”, David could also say “For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me. But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us.”

Finally, in Matt 26 we have the example of Jesus, who relied on God so perfectly that he was willing to sacrifice himself at God’s command, completely trusting that he would be raised again. He endured such agony and suffering, ““My soul is very sorrowful, even to death”, yet remained perfectly obedient.

So today we have 3 amazing examples of faithful people, who struggled in their own ways to serve God, yet remained faithful. We can be encouraged by knowing that, despite their struggles, they were faithful, and it is possible for us to be faithful to our God in the face of trials and hardships. We can all look forward to that day when we will be able to drink wine with our Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that God is ready and willing to help us in our lives.