For many years the people of Israel prayed for a savior who would draw them back towards God, and restore their nation. They studied prophecy about this coming savior so that they would be able to know when he comes, and celebrate his arrival. And yet, Jesus comes into the world without notice, leads three years of ministry, mostly without notice from the very people studying so they would not miss him.
Matthew 25 gives us the parable of the sheep and goats. It shows us what it means to love and have compassion for the “least”. Who are the least? Join us Sunday as we talk through our responsibility to show compassion in all circumstances.
I (Bill) grew up assuming that seriousness is deeply connected to Spiritual maturity. The slow ballad worship song was more meaningful that singing Happy Day, that bowing my head in quiet, somber prayer, must be more meaningful than celebrating what God is up to. And yet…..One of the things scripture names that should be core to our identity is joy. That of all people those who love and follow God have more to celebrate, more to praise about, more to be joyful about than any other people.
What you pay attention to, tends to drive you. In Matthew 6 Jesus invites us to worry less about the material world, and focus far more on the Kingdom of God. Not a theoretical reality, but a way of living that contrasts with much of the world we live in. Jesus reminds us that if our focus is on God’s Kingdom, His calling for us, His instructions for life, not the world’s, worry might take a backseat quickly.