Daily Encouragement

December 28, 2008 - Ministry To The Gentiles

This chapter began with the continuous questioning and charges by the Scribes and Pharisees against Jesus. They came from Jerusalem, the headquarter of the Jewish community, to investigate Jesus. But Jesus rebuked them for their violation of God's commandment by their own tradition. Jesus even hinted that the words from their evil hearts are what would defile people rather than the neglect of the so called ceremonial cleansing of the hands before they ate. (v. 1-20)

From then on we see more of Jesus' ministry to the Gentiles. First, Jesus healed a Gentile woman's daughter. When Jesus answered her request by saying "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dog" (v. 26 NKJV) He did not looked down upon her by using the word, dog. The Greek word there can refer to a lovely pet in the house. In fact Jesus commended her great faith and granted her wish. (v. 21-28)

After this incidence, Jesus began to heal the multitude who were in the region of the Gentiles. (Mark 7:31) The Gentiles glorified the God of Israel. (v. 29-31)

Jesus had compassion on these Gentiles who followed Him just as the Israelite who were hungry in the previous occasion. This time He fed four thousand men and their families with seven loaves and a few little fish. (v. 32-39)

We praise God for His love for all the people of the world. Through the unbelief of the Israelite, He ministered and saved the Gentiles. (Romans 11:15) However the Scriptures says that one day soon the Israelite will believe too.

December 29, 2008 - Know What You Are Mindful Of

Meditation on Matthew 16

In Matthew 16:16, we find that Simon Peter answered Jesus' question of who He was by saying "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (NKJV) Jesus blessed him and then declared His mission that He will build His church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (v. 18 )

Later on when Jesus revealed to His disciples his coming suffering and resurrection, Peter rebuke Jesus for saying that. This time Jesus turned to him and said, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an offence to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." (v. 21-23)

From Jesus' concern here we learn the absolute necessity of focusing on the things of God. When we made decision from man's stand point only, we may offend the will of God regardless of how reasonable and caring our thinking might be.

Jesus then went on to instruct His disciples the sacrifice they had to make in order to follow him. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.", He said, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." (v. 24-26) When we are mindful of the things of God and pursue it, we will have our reward when Jesus will come. (v. 27)

The Pharisees and Sadducees could not understand Jesus because they were only interested in man's tradition. Jesus did not respond to their request of a sign from heaven but instead warned the disciples against their doctrines. (v. 1-12)

So, let us be mindful of the things of God.

December 30, 2008 - The Glorious Jesus

Meditation on Mathew 17

Today we want to meditate upon the glory of Jesus. When He transfigured before the Peter, James and John up on a high mountain, "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with Him." (v. 2-3 NKJV)

How we need also recognize that the Jesus whom we believe in is so glorious and that he is far greater than Moses who represents the law and Elijah who represents the prophets of God. He is the only one whom the Father says, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" (v. 5)

He was the one who had the authority to rebuke the demon and easily cured the epileptic child who was possessed.

Once we perceive His glory, absolute superiority, and power, we would hear Him and obey Him more.

However, our glorious Lord did have to go through the suffering of the cross on our behalf. (v. 22-23) He also used His glorious omniscience to perform a miracle so that He would pay temple tax. He was willing to submit to the civic authority in order not to offend them. (v. 24-27)

He showed us His humility and obedience to the Father's will. "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)

Is this glorious Jesus your Lord today?

December 31, 2008 - Children, Temptation And Forgiveness

Meditation on Matthew 18

Jesus emphasizes the value of children. Child likeness and humility are the keys to be great in God's kingdom. It is God's will to save, search, and protect these little ones. Jesus identifies himself with them. We should never look down upon them or cause any of them to fall.

Jesus also points out the serious nature of temptation. It would cause a person to be punished eternally.

Then Jesus teaches us how to straighten out relationship. The most importance matter is rather to have harmony and forgiveness. When we have harmony our prayers will be answered. But when we are unwilling to forgive others, our heavenly Father will not forgive us too.

There are so many we can learn from this rich chapter in Matthew! Let us take time to meditate upon each of these concepts and spiritual truth.