We are only in our second week of our Bible reading plan but already in Matthew we are fully into the ministry portion of Jesus’ life. Matthew has quickly laid out Christ’s lineage and the details of his birth and now has launched straight into Jesus’ ministry years.
This is fun to read because there is lots of action and each section is interesting. I find that you naturally want to rush along from event to event to see what happens next. But be sure to take your time and see the foundation that Matthew is laying as he recounts Christ’s teaching and His miracles to establish that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
And meanwhile, back in Genesis we have moved from Abraham to Isaac and Jacob as we see God plan unfolding. God’s promise to make Abraham the father of many nations with descendents as numerous as the stars is in full motion. In this process God is again establishing His identity as the one true God—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Remember God’s pronouncement to Abraham in chapter 15—that one day Abraham’s descendents would be enslaved in a foreign land for 400 years. This week we are coming close to seeing the fulfillment of that which was foretold and how it comes to be.
I hope your reading is going well and that already God is meeting you in His word. If you know someone that hasn’t started yet, encourage them that it is not too late. I am praying for you.
-Pastor Doug Baynton
Lead Pastor