"But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Matthew 17:12
At this point, Jesus has taken John, James, and Peter up to a mountain, where God spoke to them. They now had the revelation of who Jesus was and had experienced him like few had. After the experience, they began to ask about why Elijah, who had been prophesied about, hadn't come. Jesus' reply was verse 12.
Why is this verse important? Everyone did not appreciate the value of John the Baptist (Elijah) or Jesus. Both were prophesied about extensively, did great works, walked holy...but were still hated on! James 1:2 tells us to count it all joy when (people back stab, spread lies, take your ideas, take advantage of you, make you do the entire group project) you face trials of many kinds. I love the quote that says "If you don't have any haters, you're doing something wrong." Be unapologetically you! You don't have to constantly prove yourself. God could make "a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'" (Matthew 17:5) I don't know of you, but I'll let God fight my battles.
Happy Monday!
“Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment..." Matthew 10:9
Right before this verse, Jesus tasks 12 people to spread the gospel to their neighborhoods. He emphasizes that in order to be effective, they don't need to go to the ends of the earth, they can go right into their neighborhoods and make a difference. What I love about verse 9 is that it removes every excuse. When God gives us something to do, a task to complete, he will provide everything that we need to complete it. What excuse have you been giving God to not fulfill what he called you to do? Whatever it was, fugetaboutit *in my most convincing mafia voice* and let God show you how faithful he is!
"And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words." Matthew 10:20
You don't have to be an eloquent speaker to share what God placed inside your heart. Since we were created uniquely and in His image, we ALL have ways to serve the kingdom (ie. Spiritual Gifts). Jesus told the 12 harvest hands to go into their neighborhoods and share the gospel in a vernacular common to that place. Your testimony, your accent, your style of dress are all things that can be used to draw people Christ. Be You!
Because The Holy Spirit resides in us (those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives), we have 24/7 access to him. If we find ourselves at a loss for words, we can ask The Holy Spirit to guide and direct us to the most appropriate words for that moment. There have been many times that I don't know what to write in these morning devotionals and I sought additional direction. On those days, I get feedback like "that's just what I needed to hear today" or "How did you know that's what I was praying about?!" How awesome! You never know how significant the impact your words and actions will be when you heed His guidance. How much better would our lives be if we applied this same principles to EVERY aspect of life?
What were your favorite parts of this chapter?
Happy Monday!
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1
Sharing the gospel should come from a genuine place. We shouldn't post scriptures for "likes" and for people to think that we are super saved saints. God knows our hearts (Luke 16:15), and knows if we are doing his work for him or if we are fueled by fleshly motives.
It's not necessary to boast about what you're doing for the kingdom. If you are tithing regularly, faithfully serving in ministry, uplifting others, God sees that. He will reward what's done without recognition (Matthew 6:4).
"...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8
Chapter 6 talks about getting into our prayer closets and seeking him. It's not necessary to pray extravagant prayers full of cliches to reach God. In fact, God appreciates a simplified, heartfelt prayer, which is where "The Lord's Prayer" comes from. I love how the Bible takes all the pressure off praying. God knows what we need before we ask him?! So, no need to stress about what to include in your prayer time, he will offer direction.
This chapter is packed with verses that talk about humility. It says the same thing about prayer, fasting, righteousness, and wealth. Don't do things for recognition. The whole world does not need to know that you're fasting or spending 20 hours a day praying. These are personal matter and unless you're sharing with people who keep you accountable, keep it to yourself! (That's from the Casey International Version haha)
"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27
The Lord ensures that the smallest organisms are fed. How much more care does he give his children- the beings that he made in his image? He cares for YOU! Don't stress about clothes, transportation, your job, your paycheck. If you give your cares to him, he will provide. Here's proof: Philippians 4:19, Luke 6:38, Ephesians 3:20, and sooo many more!
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34
I don't know about you, but I'm just going to tell God my issues, spend crazy amounts of time with him, and RELAX (relate, release! Do ya'll remember that episode from A Different World? lol)
Fun Fact: I read this chapter a few weeks ago, and it inspired me to do this Matthew study!
Happy Thursday!
