17th April: Matthew 19:3-30
Even
though 'large crowds followed Him' still 'the Pharisees' opposed Jesus
(2-3). Jesus' teaching regarding marriage has perfect balance. Marriage
is God's purpose for 'male and female' (4-5). 'Others have renounced
marriage because of the kingdom of heaven' (12). There is no compulsion
in these matters. Each one must seek God's will. Celibacy should not be
viewed with suspicion. This way can also be chosen for the sake of the
Kingdom of heaven. It must not be suggested that celibacy is the only
truly 'spiritual' way. Jesus calls for humility (14,30). What we cannot
do for ourselves, God does for us (23-26). The Gospel humbles us and
exalts God. Before we can be exalted by God and with Him, we must be
humbled by God and before Him. 'Eternal life' (16) begins when,
conscious of our sin - 'Who then can be saved?' (25) - we look to Christ
alone for salvation.
18th April: Matthew 20:1-28
The
workers served for different lengths of time (1-7). They received equal
payment (8-16). This a parable of grace. Some have served the Lord a
long time. Some have served Him a short time. The length of time is not
the most important thing. More important is this: each one of us has
been saved by grace. We owe it all to the Lord, the Giver of salvation.
In verses 17-19, Jesus speaks of His death and resurrection. These are
the great events upon which our salvation rests (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
If we are to follow Christ, we must walk the way of the Cross (22). He
suffered for us. We must be ready to suffer for Him. His glory did not
come without suffering. Our glory will not come without suffering. Do
not seek 'greatness'. Go the way of the Cross (26-28).
19th April: Matthew 20:29-21:17
Four
times, Jesus is called 'the Son of David' (30-31, 9,15). Christ is
greater than David. He is David's 'Lord' (22:41-46). Christ is not only
'the Son of David'. He is also the Son of God (Romans 1:3-4). We rejoice
with the Psalms of David. We rejoice even more in the Gospel of Christ.
Our response to Christ is to be marked by discipleship, depth and
devotion. Discipleship - The blind men 'received their sight and
followed Him' (34). They did not receive their sight and then forget
about Him. Grace is to be followed by gratitude. Those who have received
grace are to give themselves to the Lord in gratitude. Depth - The crowds were enthusiastic (8-9) but superficial (27:20-23). Pray for depth, a true and lasting response to Christ. Devotion - Pray that the spirit of praise will overcome the spirit of pride (15).
20th April: Matthew 21:18-46
Jesus
entered the city (10). He entered the temple (12). He went 'back to the
city' (18). He entered the temple (23). Here, we have the pattern for
Christian living - in the place of worship, out into the world, back to
the place of worship...Worship, witness, worship... The two go hand in
hand throughout the Christian life. We will encounter unbelief - even in
the place of worship (23). God's servants - the prophets - were
rejected (35-36). God's Son - Jesus - was rejected (37-39). We live in a
situation where the threat of judgment is very real (19). Nevertheless,
there is hope. Christ is 'the Church's one Foundation' (Church Hymnary,
420). Through Him, we will bear fruit which will bring glory to God
(42-43). We have been slow to believe, but God is 'swift to bless'. No
more 'I will not' - let there be repentance, entering God's Kingdom and
doing His will (29- 31).
21st April: Proverbs 2:16-34
We
read the warning about 'the adulteress': 'her house leads down to
death' (16-18). We also hear the warning of the Gospel: 'the wages of
sin is death' (Romans 6:23). We are told that 'none who go to her return
or attain the paths of life' (19). Left to ourselves, none of us would
return to God, none of us would find the way to life (Romans 3:10-12).
Some seek 'prosperity' (1). They seek 'a good name in the sight
of...men' (4). We must not, however, make these things the be-all and
end-all. There is more to life than material possessions, more than high
ratings in the popularity stakes. There is eternal life - 'the free
gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 6:23) -
and the forgiveness of sins - 'justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ' (Romans 5:1).
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