Come and See

This post will be based upon the challenge in the book, 21 Days Closer to Christ, by Emily Freeman.

A coworker was having a baby shower. I thought it would be fun to go, and I liked the people I knew I was going to see there. But when the time came, I didn't want to get ready, and I didn't want to make arrangements for someone to watch my kids. I chose not to go.

Simon and Andrew were fishing when they saw Jesus (Mark 1:16-18). Jesus invited them to come with Him. They stopped everything to follow Jesus. What prevents me to following and coming closer to Jesus? Time? My obligations to my kids? I want to spend as much time with my kids, and if I do leave them, who will watch them? Finding care for them forces me to step outside my comfort zone. Something I don't like to do.

At church today we discussed obedience. The first time I read the scriptures, I read it because I wanted to. It was such a spiritual high. We have been commanded to read and ponder the scriptures, but lately, I have been reading them just to get them done. Just to say, "Check, read scriptures." It is better to do something because of fear or obedience, then not to do it at all. But how much greater would it be if our heart was fully engaged.

"Ask, and it shall be given; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matt 7:7). And now, leave behind small pursuits to come and see.

It is my turn. I want to come closer to Christ.

Matthew 15

The scribes and Pharisees contend against Jesus—He heals the daughter of a gentile woman—He feeds the four thousand.

Matthew 14

John the Baptist is beheaded—Jesus feeds the five thousand and walks on the sea—Those who touch the hem of his garment are made whole.

Matthew 13

Jesus explains why he teaches with parables—He gives the parables of the sower, the wheat and the tares, the grain of mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price, and the net cast into the sea—A prophet is not honored by his own people.

Matthew 12

Jesus proclaims himself Lord of the Sabbath and heals on the Sabbath day—He is accused of casting out devils through the power of Beelzebub—He speaks of blasphemy against the Holy Ghost and says that an evil and adulterous generation seeks signs.

Matthew 11

Jesus acclaims John as more than a prophet—The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are rebuked for unbelief—The Son reveals the Father—The yoke of Christ is easy, and his burden is light.

Matthew 10

Jesus instructs and empowers the Twelve Apostles and sends them forth to preach, minister, and heal the sick—Those who receive the Twelve receive the Lord.

Matthew 9

Jesus forgives sins, heals a paralytic, and calls Matthew—Jesus eats with sinners, heals a woman who touches his garments, and raises Jairus’s daughter to life—He opens the eyes of the blind, casts out a devil, and preaches the gospel.

Matthew 8

Jesus heals a leper, cures the centurion’s servant and others, stills the tempest, and casts out devils—The devils enter a herd of swine.

Matthew 7

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount—He commands, Judge not; ask of God; beware of false prophets—He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father.

Matthew 6

Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount—He teaches the disciples the Lord’s Prayer—They are commanded to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

Matthew 5

Jesus preaches the Sermon on the Mount—Its teachings replace and transcend some aspects of the law of Moses—All are commanded to be perfect like their Father in Heaven.

Matthew 4

Jesus fasts forty days and is tempted—He begins his ministry, calls disciples, and heals the sick.

Matthew 3

John the Baptist preaches in Judæa—Jesus is baptized, and the Father acclaims him as his Beloved Son.

Matthew 2

Wise men from the east visit Jesus and give him gifts. Herod, feeling threatened by the birth of the King of the Jews, orders the death of all children two years old and younger who reside in Bethlehem and its surrounding areas. An angel of the Lord directs Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus and later to return to Israel with them.

I am surprised how many revelations were given in this chapter. In a dream, the wise men (Magi) discovered that Harod was going to kill, and Joseph received two dreams that they should move to evade Herod's death sentences. I believe that we are all able to still receive revelation. I have received personal revelation through dreams, and I believe dreams hold great powers.

God can give us guidance as we raise our children and make life decisions. Stop, pray, meditate... listen.

Matthew 1

Remember Matthew is written to the Jews to portray Christ as a king.

Genealogy states that Joseph is a descendant of Abraham and David. (Only four women are noted, one of them being Ruth.) This qualifies Jesus to be the king of Israel.

Mary is told that she will give birth to Jesus, who will save people from their sins. A virgin birth allows for a humanly mother and Heavenly Father.

Joseph's love for Mary is tested (Matthew 1:18). The law at that time would have given Mary the death penalty by violating the marriage covenant. Joseph privately released her from the marriage contract in order to not disgrace her. Of course we need to understand Joseph's character because he plays such an important role in the life of Jesus.

Application:
1. He is the mediator between God and man, because He is God and man.
2. We should make the main point of the gospel, salvation from sin. Fixing our life is a by-product of salvation.
3. We should treat people graciously and honorable like Joseph did Mary.
4. Like Joseph and Mary, we should obey God’s word once we know what it is.