Today we start Matthew, one of my favorite books in the Bible. It covers major sermons given by Jesus that offer beautiful points on living a Christian life; in particular the Beatitudes from The Sermon on the Mount.
Today we read in Matthew 1: 21 and 23, "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, 'God with us.'"
The angel came and spoke to Joseph because he was troubled by Mary's pregnancy. He thought of divorcing her in secret. The angel wanted to comfort Joseph and let him know of the importance of what Mary was doing. This epitomizes the entry of Jesus into our world; through the birth canal just like any other human, into a family that is troubled by circumstances, same as we can be; into a world that has wickedness as was exemplified by King Herod and his ruling to kill the male babies. But Joseph received comfort from the angel and knew without a doubt that this was of God.
God's love brought Jesus to us, rather than our having to go to Him to receive salvation. And now, He's still with us to help us through our daily pains and turmoil.
From Proverbs 4:3-4 we read, When I was my father's son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me: Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands and live."
This shows us the importance of a two parent family and the stability that comes from it. When one or both are missing or absent, children learn the wrong way to deal with life. Our seasoning through the years means knowledge to our children.
God wants both parents to be involved in family learning. Fathers take the lead as sources of guidance and direction, and mothers offer governing principles based on God's word. This way, we train up a child the way it should go.
In Proverbs 5:21 we read, "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, And He ponders all his paths."
This is a good reminder that God sees everything we do. Fortunately, we're forgiven as followers of Christ; but just as we forgive our own children for wrongdoing and then punish them, God does too. He either does it right away, or will wait until we stand in judgement before Him.
God ponders our paths; let's make sure we're on the right one.
Blessings to all
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