12-31-18 Today in the Word

The Gospel of Matthew: The King Has Come
THE KINGDOM COMING AND THE KINGDOM GOING
Monday, December 31, 2018 | Matthew 28:16–20

Beginning in Georgia’s Amicalola State Park, a relatively unassuming path runs to the top of Springer Mountain. The hike is rigorous, ascending 2,000 feet over the course of 8.5 miles with particularly intense climbs near the end. Upon reaching the summit, however, hikers are summoned onward, for there you find the southern starting point of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches for another 2,181 miles.
By the time they encountered the resurrected Jesus atop the mountain in Galilee, His disciples had already hiked a rigorous path. They had left homes, families, and jobs to follow Him. They had traveled throughout Israel proclaiming the coming of God’s kingdom. And they had faced the danger of Jewish leaders and Roman imperial authorities. Upon reaching that peak, however, they were commanded onward. Jesus directed them to “go and make disciples of all nations” (v. 19).
For ancient Jews, “the nations” referred to all peoples beyond Israel. Jesus’ instructions are thus a command to go throughout the world. One could forgive the disciples if they felt a bit weary or daunted by the task ahead. How could this assortment of men—who had just failed spectacularly to support Him before His crucifixion—travel the globe and command foreign people to obey the teachings of a Jewish carpenter?
But Jesus offered something to propel them on their way—His presence. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20). The presence of Jesus Christ will always be with His followers, inspiring and empowering them to carry out His mission. The kingdom has come near. Let us carry forth His truth to the world, “baptizing them in the name of the Fa-ther and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything” He commanded (v. 20).
APPLY THE WORD
Tomorrow is New Year’s Day, a day on which many commit to resolutions that will guide them in the year ahead. What resolutions might help you to remain in the presence of Jesus and carry forth His truth to the world? Pray that God would guide you in the year ahead and help you to be a guide to others.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9-16-23 Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the One through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Paul also quoted and discussed that portion of the covenant in Gal. 3:8-9. We ended last time with the realization that the promised Messiah would be the final Davidic king over Israel. As declared then, however, there are several intermediate steps, with accompanying prophecies, which are given between the times of Abraham and David and speak about His coming and the offices He would hold as the greatest prophet, priest, and king. And there are also more ance
Read more

9-17-23 It's Coming

It Is Coming - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/12/24/it-is-coming-by-daymond-duck/ On Dec. 17, 2022, it was reported that Rep. David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to permanently bar former Pres. Trump from running for president again, and 40 Democrats have signed on. Cicilline is accusing Trump of orchestrating an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time of this writing, it is debatable as to whether Cicilline’s legislation will get voted on before the new Congress takes office in 2023, but some conservatives have said from the beginning that the main purpose of the Jan. 6 fake show-trial was to stop Trump from being elected again. Some, including this writer, have said there is no telling what the U.S. shadow government will do to prevent making America great again (MAGA) because they want to surrender the sovereignty of the U.S. to the New World Order (coming world government). It was easy to see this comi
Read more

9-17-23 Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2

Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles, Wilfred Hahn Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Reviewing the “facts” that we cited in Part 1, we noted the hyperbole and downright dishonesty in some instances to support global warming claims. Why is there such bias? Money Precedes Truth Global warming has become big business. Armies of global consultants are peddling false information because it is profitable to do so. Many claimed urgencies are exaggerated by factors of 10X … indeed, 200X in some instances and more. Governments are particularly susceptible to this hype, promising infrastructure programs estimated to cost upwards of trillions of dollars. According to a new report,1 an estimated $3.4 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2.72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54.1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropo
Read more