Chosen

Read:  Matthew Chapter 22

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (vs. 14)

Jesus redefines faith and God’s Kingdom.  Just because we go to, serve, and lead in a church does not mean we are experiencing the kingdom of God.  In fact, many of us are not experiencing an abundant life filled with spiritual riches like joy, love, and peace.  Our lives can be just as riddled by restlessness, sin, and anxiety as the rest of the world.  It is only when we continually turn from this godless nature within each of us and embrace the nature given to us in Christ that we experience authentic (not manufactured) patience, gentleness and self-control.  It comes from a life of walking in obedience and controlled by the Holy Spirit.  This is the fruit of a true disciple.

Father, I give up my earthly conception of what it means to be a christian in Your Kingdom.  Open my eyes to genuine faith, focus my eyes on the true mark of Your followers.  Teach me be Your disciple, a light and an example of Jesus here on earth.  I lay down the part of me that is of this world.  I humbly receive more of Your divine nature.  Teach me to walk in Your Spirit.


*This post is part of a month long devotional series on Matthew.  To start from the intro click here.  To go to the next post click here.

Pretenders

Read:  Matthew Chapter 23

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (vs. 12)

It is pride which rises up and leads us to believe we are better or less than others.  It is pride which causes us to criticize other’s actions and think we would have done different if we were in their situation.  It is pride which leads us to create the perfect picture of our life on the outside.  It is pride that points to others (who are you thinking about right now?) but blinds us to our own pride.  Jesus says we are like white-washed tombs, dead on the inside.  Only He can make us pure on the inside, which then causes our outward appearance and actions to be upright.

Father, may I see myself as You see me.  Cleanse me of all pride, that which causes me to have too high or too low estimation of myself.  May I have quiet confidence in You and who You say I am.  Wash me from the inside out.

*This post is part of a month long devotional series on Matthew.  To start from the intro click here.  To go to the next post click here.

Consummation of the Age

Read:  Matthew Chapter 24

“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”  (vs. 45-46)

Regardless how people interpret the signs of the times, Jesus shares with us his heart regarding these things.  He desires us to be ready, watchful, and obedient.  If we are walking in God’s way, in obedience to the Holy Spirit, we need not worry about the end of the age.  May we rest assured of His Presence and protection, even amidst great troubles, affliction, and distress.

Father, may my life be a fruit of your peace.  May my soul rest.  I lay down my fears of the future, my constant worries about today, and my inner distress.  Help me to trust you, even when terrible things are happening all around me.  Even when disease or sickness hit me or my family, even my children.  Even when I don’t understand what I see in reality and question Your goodness.  May Your Word be a comfort as I trust you more and more.

*This post is part of a month long devotional series on Matthew.  To start from the intro click here.  To go to the next post click here.

Kingdom Come

Read:  Matthew Chapter 25

Again Jesus is revealing kingdom principles through realistic stories.  He is emphasizing where our heart and attention is directed.  Be prepared and watch for Him, focusing our eyes on spiritual realities.  Be obedient.  Be generous with time, resources, and talents.  Serve others as if serving the Lord Himself.  Seek God in everything.  We never know when He’ll come, we never know when His Kingdom will come into our life and break into this world through us.  Remember, these promises are true yesterday, today, and forever.  When God speaks, he speaks from a timeless perspective.  His promises are already and not yet.

Father, teach me to watch with a spiritual perspective.  Teach me to be a good and faithful servant.  Separate me in holiness for the kingdom of God.  Teach me to be Your servant, Your conduit, Your vessel.

*This post is part of a month long devotional series on Matthew.  To start from the intro click here.  To go to the next post click here.

The Anointed One

Read:  Matthew Chapter 26

“Now when Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table.” (vs 6)

This woman’s action was a token of highest respect.  She poured out all her love, faith, worship, and affection.  While the others criticized her, Jesus elevated her act, even saying that what she has done would be told wherever the Gospel is proclaimed.  He recognized her act as a most spiritual work, as preparation for His burial.  Whether she knew it or not, this was a very important prophesy fulfilled: that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One.  This is Truth in reality.

Teach me to stop and listen.  Touch my life today.  May my worship be wholly motivated by love, my devotion intense, my sacrifice complete.  I worship You with all that I am.

*This post is part of a month long devotional series on Matthew.  To start from the intro click here.  To go to the next post click here.