Month: December 2024

Quote for the Day

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The strength of what we build as a leader will ultimately be proven by how long it lasts. A house built using sound design principles, tested construction techniques and quality materials, under direction from a wise master builder, will last many generations. Michael Rowell

Reflection on Matthew 14:1-12

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Scripture

Then the king regretted what he had said, but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders.

Observation

Herod hears about Jesus and he believes that He must be a resurrected John the Baptist.

John the Baptist had been arrested for speaking out against Herod’s marriage to Herodias, who was the former wife of Herod’s brother.

At a birthday feast for Herod, Herodias’s daughter had pleased Herod with a dance. He offers her anything that she wants as a gift, and she asks for John’s head. So Herod has John beheaded as requested.

Application

Herod was a despotic ruler, but, it is clear in this narrative that he was motivated often by the fear of other people. He had wanted to kill John but was afraid of the reactions of the people. Then he doesn’t want to kill, John, but does so because of the vow he had made in front of his guests.

Fear of other people can motivate us to do things against our will.

People get sucked into groups of nefarious people because they refuse to say No”. Like Herod, many are coerced into acting against what they know to be right.

Politicians act to keep voters happy. Ordinary people may be bullied by employers, family members and friends. Often it is all fear of other people.

We need to stay firm in Christ. His approval. Is the only approval we need. His judgement should be the only judgement we fear.

Prayer

Lord, please rescue me from the fear of men. Grant me the grace to live a life that honours you with no thought to the opinions of others. Amen.

Reflection on Matthew 13:47-58

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Scripture

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away.

Observation

Jesus introduces another parable, this time from fishing. Just as a fishing net catches all kinds of fish and other creatures, that are later sorted, so at the end of the age, the angels will sort the wicked from the righteous. The wicked will be thrown into the fiery furnace.

Jesus then returns to Nazareth where he teaches in the synagogue. At first, they are amazed at His teaching but then they start to scoff. They are deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. Jesus says that a prophet is honoured everywhere, but in his own hometown. He is only able to do a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

Application

Jesus uses a different parable to explain how the judgement happens.

The kingdom of God is like a fishing net that sweeps in all kinds of fish. A sorting takes place after the fishing is finished. In the same way, there will be a judgement as the righteous followers of Jesus are separated from the unrighteous.

It is all a part of God’s grace that unbelievers and hypocrites can be found in church. We should not be surprised when pastors fall into scandalous sin.

The church attracts all kinds of people. Some are seeking the Lord, some are true believers, while others remain committed to their self-centred lifestyle.

Everyone, genuine or not, hears the same gospel week by week. The hypocrites and sinners, still have a chance to repent.

But there will be a judgement. Everyone will be sorted into those who are faithful and those who are not

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for the knowledge that, in you, I will be raised to eternal life. Amen.