Matthew 2:16-18
16Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."
What has really caught my attention in the book of Matthew is how each event is a fulfillment of prophecy. All these events, didn't just happen...God orchestrated it. Also, it's not like Joseph and Mary could have planned to fulfill the prophesies on their own. They could not make the wise men come, nor make Herod come after them. They were simply watchful of God's promptings and they were obedient. It makes me wonder though, that Jesus was born to forgive the sins of men like Herod who sought his life as a baby and killed many infants in an effort to achieve his goal. Also men like Pharaoh. I guess the truth is, no sinner is worse than another. We are all sinners and therefore unworthy of the redemption that Christ brought.
I think my scope of thinking is way too narrow. The Bible is not an end in itself. The Bible is living and active. Also, I am part of God's plan. I have a role to play. However, like TJ said last night at Fuse, the movie isn't all about me. What prophesy am I a part of? I can be part of God's kingdom or against God's kingdom. What am I doing today to bring God's kingdom to earth? When I look at myself, all I see is a small existence. I just cook, clean, and take care of Lion. These seem so small to me that I often don't take much pride in them. I almost feel like I want to serve God in other ways; more splendid and recognizable ways. What I hear God telling me today is that I am part of His plan, His prophecy, and that my existence has great significance. Therefore, I need to do all things with joy and confidence because I am doing them for Christ and His kingdom. There is a bigger picture that I may not be able to see, but I am definitely a part of.
Heavenly Father, forgive me for my sins and my narrow, self-centered way of thinking. Lord, show me how to be more like Jesus. Jesus, I do everything for You and Your kingdom. Help me to be the mother and wife You created me to be. Keep me for sinning and fill me with Your love and joy. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Live by God's promises, not by the law
Galatians 3:13-14, 17-18, 21-22
13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— 14so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
17This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Paul clearly explains the difference between the law and the promise. Those who know God's commandments and the Book of the Law tend to place justification in those laws. I think mankind's fallen state drives us to look for works and evidences of our works to edify ourselves and others. However, God clearly wants to free us from this bondage of justification by works. The truth is, none of us will ever be holy by our works or by following the law. Only Jesus was able to completely follow the law and be pure and holy. Then, he was offered up as a righteous sacrifice to pay for all the sins, all the faults, of mankind. He took the curse of the law upon Himself even though He was free originally from this curse because He was upright and holy His whole life. To satisfy the wrath of God and release God's promise to Abraham to all the nations, Jesus took the curse and wrath upon Himself and then He conquered the power of sin and death by being resurrected. God had promised Abraham that he would be a blessing to all nations. The law came after the promise to ensure that the promise would be kept. Even though mankind cannot completely follow the law, God is able to keep His promise.
What promises has God given me? What laws am I making myself follow? Those laws are keeping me from God's freedom. I haven't been keeping up with my devotions and the thought of how I'm failing at this really made it hard for me to start doing them again. This little law I made for myself was getting the best of me. Devotions are not things that God requires me to do. Devotions are things I get to do with God. God has promised me that if I seek Him, I will find Him (Deut. 4:29). I've also been imprisoning myself with the burden of keeping the house in order. God has promised me that if I put Him first, then all things will be added to me (Matt. 6:33). I've been feeling so sapped of joy because I've been laboring with my own effort. God promises that if I come to Him weary then He will give me rest (Matt. 11:28). I need to stop trying and rest in God's promises. When I try to do things on my own, I'm refusing Jesus' sacrifice and victory.
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for this time in Your word. Please forgive me for trying to do it all on my own. I love You so much and can do nothing of eternal value apart from You. Release me from my own laws and bondage to abide in Your will. I ask for You to take control of my life once again. Jesus, thank You for overcoming the curse of the law so that I may have freedom and abundant life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— 14so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
17This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.
21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Paul clearly explains the difference between the law and the promise. Those who know God's commandments and the Book of the Law tend to place justification in those laws. I think mankind's fallen state drives us to look for works and evidences of our works to edify ourselves and others. However, God clearly wants to free us from this bondage of justification by works. The truth is, none of us will ever be holy by our works or by following the law. Only Jesus was able to completely follow the law and be pure and holy. Then, he was offered up as a righteous sacrifice to pay for all the sins, all the faults, of mankind. He took the curse of the law upon Himself even though He was free originally from this curse because He was upright and holy His whole life. To satisfy the wrath of God and release God's promise to Abraham to all the nations, Jesus took the curse and wrath upon Himself and then He conquered the power of sin and death by being resurrected. God had promised Abraham that he would be a blessing to all nations. The law came after the promise to ensure that the promise would be kept. Even though mankind cannot completely follow the law, God is able to keep His promise.
What promises has God given me? What laws am I making myself follow? Those laws are keeping me from God's freedom. I haven't been keeping up with my devotions and the thought of how I'm failing at this really made it hard for me to start doing them again. This little law I made for myself was getting the best of me. Devotions are not things that God requires me to do. Devotions are things I get to do with God. God has promised me that if I seek Him, I will find Him (Deut. 4:29). I've also been imprisoning myself with the burden of keeping the house in order. God has promised me that if I put Him first, then all things will be added to me (Matt. 6:33). I've been feeling so sapped of joy because I've been laboring with my own effort. God promises that if I come to Him weary then He will give me rest (Matt. 11:28). I need to stop trying and rest in God's promises. When I try to do things on my own, I'm refusing Jesus' sacrifice and victory.
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for this time in Your word. Please forgive me for trying to do it all on my own. I love You so much and can do nothing of eternal value apart from You. Release me from my own laws and bondage to abide in Your will. I ask for You to take control of my life once again. Jesus, thank You for overcoming the curse of the law so that I may have freedom and abundant life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
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