Matthew 1-3
Chasing99 is a way that we can read through God's word on a set schedule with other people all over the world. For the next 99 days, we will be on course to read through the New Testament. My hope is for all that takes the challenge it will alter the way we live for Christ. So, here we go with this 99 day journey.
When looking at the beginning of Matthew, one may see the obedience of many people. Obedience is such an important aspect of a Christian’s life. Whether it’s obedience to authority, to the Holy Spirit, or to the Word of God, one has to be committed to submitting to the commands of others. Jesus is the ultimate example of obedience. In Romans 5:19 God says, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” So, obedience for the Christian is not an option or something to take lightly. Let’s look at the obedience of the characters in the first few chapters of Matthew.
Chasing99 is a way that we can read through God's word on a set schedule with other people all over the world. For the next 99 days, we will be on course to read through the New Testament. My hope is for all that takes the challenge it will alter the way we live for Christ. So, here we go with this 99 day journey.
When looking at the beginning of Matthew, one may see the obedience of many people. Obedience is such an important aspect of a Christian’s life. Whether it’s obedience to authority, to the Holy Spirit, or to the Word of God, one has to be committed to submitting to the commands of others. Jesus is the ultimate example of obedience. In Romans 5:19 God says, “For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” So, obedience for the Christian is not an option or something to take lightly. Let’s look at the obedience of the characters in the first few chapters of Matthew.
First, Joseph submitted to God in doing the right thing when he had perfect recourse to do the exact opposite. Matthew 1:20 says that an angel of the Lord told him that what appeared to be with Mary was not the case at all. Mary was carrying a unique child, the Messiah. Joseph’s response to the angel was immediate obedience. Even delayed obedience is not the same as immediate obedience. Joseph did as he was commanded as soon as he could possible do it. I do realize that there are many other examples of obedience before Joseph in the genealogy of Jesus, but for sake of time they must be omitted from this entry.
Next, the Magi are an interesting group of characters. There is not a great deal of information on the Magi. We know they were into astronomy because they noticed the strange appearance of a star and followed it. When confronted with the dilemma of obeying the king or God, they chose God. It’s always better to chose God over authority when they conflict. Make sure you understand what I'm saying here. Only when there is a conflict between man's law and God's word, do we choose God over man. All other times we are to respect all earthly authority.
Obedience is to a Christian as water is to an ocean. It's absolutely essential. Pray, Read, Think, Write, and Do. These are the basis of our relationship with Christ. The last is do or obedience. As God lays something on your heart from His word, be obedient and do what He asks. His way is always best! For the next 99 days be a doer of God's word and not just a hearer.
Have a great day.
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