Tag Archives: the book of Matthew

January 13
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“’Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.'” (Matthew 13:45-46, NIV)

Last night, the President of the United States stood before both houses of the Congress and gave a required annual account of the State of the Union.  It was a reminder to every U. S. citizen that we live in a nation with vast resources and responsibilities.

The scriptures tell us of another sovereign entity: The Kingdom of God (also called the Kingdom of Heaven).  The state of God’s kingdom is eternally bright and stable because God is both its light and its foundation.  The inhabitants of the so-called Third World and Second World nations desire to become citizens (or, at least, residents) of the leading nations of this world; but everyone that seeks a better, brighter, and an eternally secure place is welcome in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus described this kingdom as the prize discovered in a field that inspires its finder to sell all that he has to get the money to buy the field so that he might possess the prize for all time.  And, as we see in today’s scripture reading: The pearl merchant who finds a rare pearl of great value acts similarly.

Do we regard our place and possessions in this world of greater value than the Kingdom of Heaven?  Are we willing to forgo and to discard all of this world’s thoughts and trappings that we might, instead — in faith — claim the eternal prize?  – Luther

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January 6
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“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”  (Matthew 24:44, NIV)

It is typical of God that He first gives us the answers before giving us the test.

In these final chapters of Matthew’s Gospel (chapters 24-25), Jesus is emphatic in His teaching about the nature of the kingdom of heaven; and He is equally emphatic in His teaching about the final judgment of God, and what is required of you and me.  You see, Jesus wants everyone to pass; but everyone must pass on his or her own work.  No cheating.

The key to successfully facing any crisis — whether financial, emotional, physical, or spiritual — is readiness.  Now is the time to get ready.  The adage is never more true: “You cannot give what you do not have.”

Are you ready?  – Luther

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December 28
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“So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt.  He remained there until the death of Herod.  This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”  (Matthew 2:14-15a, NASB)

Egypt.  Time and again in the Bible, Egypt becomes the place of exile and pain.  Joseph (of many-colored coat fame; please see Genesis 37 for details) found himself in Egypt after being sold by his brothers.  The Children of Israel were delivered from slavery in Egypt in what is known as the Exodus.  And now, the Christ child is taken to Egypt by His parents to escape Herod’s slaughter of children.

Exile may have its purposes, but it, nevertheless, also had its own proximate difficulties: Loneliness, unfamiliarity, suffering.

Have you ever been exiled to your own “Egypt”?  Are you there today?

If you are, be resolute in the knowledge that God is in “Egypt” with you; that God will never forsake you; and that God will, in the fullness of time, deliver you.  – Luther

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