Matthew 3 – Introducing the Kingdom

The name of the Lord shines brightly through each verse of Matthew’s first two chapters; that name we hold hallowed as we pray and offer praise. Certainly, the whole of scripture is a revelation of God, but Matthew’s first two chapters seem to be especially focused on his work, providing the careful reader much on… Continue reading Matthew 3 – Introducing the Kingdom

The Lost Children

Another Passover in Jerusalem. Another year mindlessly offering gifts. Another year with a heavy heart. I know G-d wants us to sacrifice, but it seems to be a one-way street; what has he ever had to sacrifice? I used to like Passover. Passover celebrates that time when G-d spared Israel’s children in ancient Egypt from… Continue reading The Lost Children

Matthew 2:13-23 – God’s (VERY) Mysterious Ways

At first glance, this passage seems to merely reiterate a number of things we’ve already discovered about God. God communicates to his people through dreams and through his prophets. God’s plan is unalterable regardless of how much man or Satan try to interfere. And God protected Jesus so that he was able to accomplish the… Continue reading Matthew 2:13-23 – God’s (VERY) Mysterious Ways

Matthew 2:1-12 – God’s (NOT-SO) Mysterious Ways

Over the years I’ve read this passage (Matthew 2:1-12) a number of times and always focused on the wise men and their gifts, Herod and his insecurities, and baby Jesus and his mother, but I don’t think I’ve ever considered the chief priests and the scribes. God, through the prophet Micah, told them that the… Continue reading Matthew 2:1-12 – God’s (NOT-SO) Mysterious Ways

Matthew 1:18-25 – God’s Timely Gift

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name. There is a video on Youtube you may have seen titled “Basketball Awareness Test” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB_lTKZm1Ts). Two teams of four players — one dressed in white, one in black — pass a basketball between themselves. You are asked to track the number of passes made between the players… Continue reading Matthew 1:18-25 – God’s Timely Gift