October 2, 2012
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25
OBSERVATIONS
1. In both Matthew and Luke’s versions of Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary come across as humble and honourable. They did not have an easy task – to give birth to and parent God’s Messiah – and yet they submit to God and His purpose.
2. The birth of Jesus is ‘through’ and ‘from’ the Spirit of God. This makes us think of how Adam was created, with the breath (spirit) of God. This reveals the uniqueness and importance of Jesus, the indication that God is doing something new and significant in the world. He promised it in the past, now He is fulfilling it!
3. Saviour, Immanuel, God with us. These words capture the heart of God, why He comes (to rescue us from sin, death and hell) and what He desires (to be with us, our relationship with Him restored). God was with Adam and Eve in the garden before sin (Genesis 2-3), and God will live with us in the new creation (Revelation 21-22). Jesus is the one that will make this happen.
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
1. I sense the Lord reminding me that He is still at work by His Spirit to restore people to Himself. This is the big story behind history, the good news that gives both hope and purpose. For every person, for every nation, for all creation, God is stepping into our world by His Spirit to make things ‘very good’ again.
2. I sense Him gently challenging me to respond like Joseph and Mary, with honour and humility. Will I allow the Lord to use me to bring Jesus into the world, to partner with Him in restoring His family to joyful fellowship with Him? Do I sense God’s love for His alienated children, my brothers and sisters as fellow image-bearers of God?
3. I sense the Lord reminding me that He wants to be with me, today! To walk with me and talk with me along life’s narrow way. That is what He came to save me (us) for. Today I want to experience and enjoy His presence and love as I go through my day.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, I was made by You and for You, and I can only find fulfillment in and with You. Thank You for loving and restoring me through Jesus. Help me, by Your Spirit in me, to help others experience and enjoy You!
The story of the birth of Jesus is a common one, and it is easy to quickly read this, thinking that there is nothing new here. I try to imagine what Joseph must have been feeling. He had to put a lot of faith into what the angel had told him. How else could he accept that Mary was now pregnant. At least he was given some help in coming up with a name for the child. We are told that the name Jesus is the Greek name for Joshua. In either case it means “The Lord Saves”. What a fitting name for both Joshua and Jesus.
Matthew refers to a prophecy (Isaiah 7:14) where they say that they will call him Immanuel, meaning “God with us”. I know that we consider this one of the names of Jesus, but do we see this name come up again in the New Testament? It seems that these are the only 2 locations where this name is mentioned.
It is a comfort and a great promise to know that for me it is Jesus who saves and who is with me.
Observations:
Today’s reading was also part of the reading from BibleGateway.com – reading the Bible in a year.
Joseph was an upright man – knowing the law and yet having a heart for his girlfriend Mary, Joseph did not carry out the law expected. He was shown what he did was right by the appearance of the angel.
Giving a name is important. Immanuel – God with us.
Dreams – a way God speaks to His people. Joseph acted upon the dream.
Application:
My considerations in a marriage, decisions in the family, must also be done in a JOY way – Jesus, Others, You – in that order. Christ needs to permeate all of me and I need to put others before me in my decisions. What is good for them. The main commandment is Love God and the second in Love Man. How do I show His love in me to others this day of new opportunities?
As I live this day, I too must fulfill His Word in my life, remembering that He is with me al along the way – Immanuel – God with us/me. That’s comfort!
Prayer:
Thank You Lord that I start the day with You and that You encourage me with the presence of Your Spirit so I can walk in Your SonShine this day for You light my Way. Help me to live my name on this day You have made – Christian.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.