Sunday, May 16, 2021

Called to Faith and Discipleship

 Matthew 28     Psalm 112   1 Chronicles 11-14

The final chapter of Matthew is a very brief recounting of the day of resurrection. The women come to look at the grave and find the stone rolled away and the presence of an angel that tells them he is not there, he has risen from the dead and to go tell the disciples he will meet them in Galilee. We are told they went away with great fear but also great joy. The mixed emotions of finding the unexpected and unexplained and the message of hope that comes with it. There is the repeated message to not be afraid and go and tell. There is also the story of those that experience fear because of the unexpected and the possible loss of their power.

The very end is powerful in that it reminds us that even those the experienced the resurrected Lord firsthand had doubts and fears. It is then that they are told to go, make disciples around the world and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We as disciples are to continue to teach all that he taught and commanded and ends with a promise to always go with us even to the end of time.

The song of praise today reminds us of the blessings of those that pursue the ways of God and find joy in his commandments. The thought that those that live the way God calls us to live not only brings joy to this life but to eternity is a great thought expressed throughout this song. It is also a reminder that those that choose the wicked ways, contrary to God’s instructions, will be frustrated and all their gain will be lost and perish with them.

In Chronicles we are shown David’s organizational and leadership abilities as he organizes the kingdom that now includes Judah and Israel. More importantly, we see his continued seeking the will of God and following his directions, putting his trust fully in him. Not only is David blessed but so is the nation because they follow the Lord’s commands and directions.

Today we are reminded that even when we put our full trust and faith in God there will be those that seek to harm us to maintain or gain power over us. We are called to put our full and complete trust in God, praise him at all times as Lord and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all things. 

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