TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 47
For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. - Psalm 47:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Socotra, an island of Yemen in the Indian Ocean, is home to some of the most rare plants and trees on earth. The main cause is its unusual weather patterns, ranging from heavy monsoons for several months to hot, desert-like winds the rest of the year. Socotra's ecosystem is incredibly diverse and unique—of the 815 botanical species found on the island, 277 are found only there. One is a kind of cucumber that is actually a tree. Another is the “dragon's blood” tree, the sap of which yields a famous crimson pigment. Many of the plant species have medical applications as well.

Socotra is like a permanent exhibition of the splendor of God's creation. Nature testifies to the glory of God, the “great King over all the earth” (v. 2; cf. Ps. 98:4-9). Today's psalm is an exuberant call to worship Him. In verses 1-4, we're exhorted to clap and shout for joy. Why? Because God is awesome and powerful, the great Ruler, a giver of victory, a keeper of promises, and (most amazing) a lover of His people. There are many qualities for which God should be praised and worshiped, including His sovereignty (vv. 5-9). The best and really only response is for us to worship Him with great joy—singing, playing music, and exalting Him. Not only His people but indeed all the peoples of the earth will do so, for He is above all.

We can see in our mind's eye a procession through the streets of Jerusalem up to the temple—verse 5 signals the arrival—and approaching the Holy of Holies. It's probably a special liturgical occasion, perhaps even a feast day. The entire community has gathered to commemorate and celebrate who God is and what He does. Christians traditionally link this psalm with Christ's ascension or going up into heaven, giving us another upward-moving picture of the Kingship of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
A great deal of Christian music employs words from the psalms, which through inspired lyrics renews the desire of God's people to praise Him. Today, begin searching out some of these songs, perhaps by looking through the index of a modern hymnbook, reading liner notes from your CD collection, or asking your church's worship director for leads or suggestions. If you wish, try to collect songs specifically based on Psalms 42-72 in order to complement and enrich your devotions this month.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 48
Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. - Psalm 48:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Augustine's classic City of God, the great philosopher and theologian saw history as the stage where God's plans for humanity are played out. While the starting and ending points are known from Scripture, “history” is the drama of what happens in between. The drama focuses on two cities, the City of Man and the City of God. The City of Man is the majority of humanity, dead in their sins and living with self at the center. In the City of God, by contrast, those whom God chooses are alive by grace and seeking His glory as their chief passion. The two cities, which are intermingled in the historical drama, are headed for very different destinations of damnation or salvation.

In today's reading, Jerusalem as the “city of God” symbolizes God dwelling with His people. This psalm is a “song of Zion,” a term referring to the special place Jerusalem and the temple held in Israel's religious life. One of the tortures of the Exile was that these places were far away—the “songs of Zion” could not be sung (Ps. 137:3-4). Though the temple is gone, we still relate to the emotions of these “songs” because now God dwells with and protects His people in an even more personal way through His indwelling Spirit.

Since Zion or Jerusalem is the city of God, its qualities reflect His qualities (vv. 1-8): In the city's citadels, we understand God as our fortress. In its lofty beauty, we see that He is holy and righteous. When it rejoices over God's protection, we find Him sovereign and worthy of praise. At its center is the temple (vv. 9-11), representing God's “unfailing love” and covenant with His people. The enduring glory of the city is not man-made but divine.

We should respond by considering carefully and meditating upon this city—and by implication, God Himself and our relationship with Him (vv. 12-14). This is what the next generation needs to learn!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God's presence is good news in today's psalm, just as “God with us” is the good news at the heart of the gospel. The Incarnation is God's ultimate presence, His ultimate coming to dwell with us. Since good news is meant not only to be enjoyed but also to be spread, pray for an opportunity to share the gospel soon with someone you know. It might be a neighbor, a friend who has shown interest in Christianity, or a complete stranger whom God will bring across your path this week.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 49
God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. - Psalm 49:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Evangelist D. L. Moody once wrote: “Some day you will read in the papers that D. L. Moody, of East Northfield, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment I shall be more alive than I am now! I shall have gone up higher, that is all—out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal; a body death cannot touch, that sin cannot taint, a body fashioned like unto His glorious body. I was born of the flesh in 1837. I was born of the Spirit in 1856. That which is born of the flesh may die. That which is born of the Spirit will live forever.”

As today's psalm also demonstrates, followers of God have hope in the face of death. Because the style here echoes biblical wisdom literature and prophecy, the psalm has a long introduction (vv. 1-4) inviting all people to pay attention to a “riddle” that is a universal truth—death.

Since mortality is a sure thing, we do not need to fear prideful, deceitful rich people (vv. 5-9, 16-19). They cannot use their money to bribe God and cheat death, but must come to the end of their days like the rest of us. The psalmist was not saying that all rich people are bad, but it is true that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19).

Death makes no distinctions about wealth, status, or social class (vv. 10-15). People might have followers, fame, and fortune . . . but their future is still death. The key is where we put our faith. The rich people here put their faith in themselves and their money. By trusting in God, however, the writer took hold of eternal life, a “morning” when “God will redeem my life from the grave.” Understanding this ultimate truth is what sets human beings apart from animals (v. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The tone and content of Psalm 49 might remind you of Ecclesiastes. Make time this week to read again through that book of the Bible. There the themes of wealth, death, faith, and the purpose of life are more fully explored and developed. This extra Bible reading should also give you more empathy for the unbelievers that you know, who are trying to live their lives in meaningful ways without knowing or following “the way, the truth, and the life.” Such empathy can help you share the gospel more effectively.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 50
Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice. - Psalm 50:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
If you're a parent, the idea of rocking or bouncing your baby while singing is a familiar one. But did you know that it helps their brains learn about rhythm? Canadian psychologist Laurel Trainor has found that physical movement develops babies' ability to perceive and respond to different rhythms. With a group of mothers and children, she played a melody with an ambiguous rhythm, asking half the mothers to bounce their children every other beat (march) and half to bounce them every third beat (waltz). Then she played the music again, this time with accented march and waltz rhythms coming from different stereo speakers. The babies preferred the speaker that used the same rhythm to which they'd been bounced.

God has built a “rhythm of praise” into the very fabric of human nature! We're all called to praise the Lord (vv. 1-6), in today's psalm by Asaph, one of David's chief musicians. An impressive picture is given here of God as powerful, awe-inspiring, all-seeing, and just. He “summons the earth,” and He presides over the Supreme Court of the universe. Before Him stand “consecrated ones,” that is, His covenant people. The Perfect Judge has a contrasting pair of verdicts to render.

First, to the righteous worshipers, God highlights the privilege and responsibility of their relationship with Him (vv. 7-15). They shouldn't imagine that the relationship is balanced—all the benefits are on their side, not His, for God doesn't need their offerings. They should make sacrifices in obedience and gratitude, but the thought that the Almighty “needs” a goat is obviously ridiculous. The cattle on a thousand hills are His!

Second, God condemns the lip-service and disobedience of insincere worshipers (vv. 16-23). They go through the motions, sinning as they please, apparently believing that He is fallible or hypocritical like themselves. He has been patient, but justice will be done. Only true worshipers will see the salvation of God!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In Psalm 50, God has different messages for righteous and unrighteous worshipers. What message might He have for you? Take time today to write about this in your spiritual diary or prayer notebook. Keep in mind that He knows completely your thoughts and feelings, not only during Sunday services but throughout the week. How might He evaluate your worship, including both positive and negative aspects? Submit this question to Him in prayer before writing.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love. - Psalm 51:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
The pornography industry is booming. From 1985 through 2000, adult video rentals increased nearly tenfold, from 75 million to 721 million. Overall revenue nearly doubled, from $7 million to $12 million. More than 70,000 Web sites are pay-for-porn, with countless more featuring free immoral content.

David had a rooftop, not a Web site, but the view from up there—Bathsheba bathing—tempted him to adultery and murder. Nathan's rebuke called the king back to the Lord (see 2 Sam. 11-12), at which point he wrote today's well-known psalm of confession and repentance. As Leland Ryken suggests in his book, Words of Delight, this psalm follows the outline of a typical lament:

(1) Invocation or cry to God (vv. 1-2). Throwing himself on God's mercy and compassion, David begged for spiritual cleansing. This is every sinner's position before God.

(2) Lament or complaint (vv. 3-6). David grieved over his wrongdoing, understanding that sin is always first and foremost a transgression against a holy God. In other lament psalms, the cause might be something external, but in this case the king condemned himself.

(3) Petition or supplication (vv. 7-12). He wanted not only forgiveness or a clean slate, but a renewed intimacy with the Lord. His list of petitions thus included a pure heart, steadfast spirit, God's presence, His Holy Spirit, joy, and the willingness to obey.

(4) Statement of confidence in God (vv. 13-17). David knew God would not despise or ignore his prayer but would forgive him. Overlapping with the next point, he also vowed personally to praise, sacrifice, and teach others the ways of God.

(5) Vow to praise God (vv. 18-19). David looked ahead to the day when as the spiritually restored king he could again lead in worship and bring back God's blessing and favor to the nation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the Christian's most precious promises is this: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). As David did, we need to repent of our sins, and when we do we can trust in the power of God's forgiveness: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Ps. 103:12). As the Spirit convicts you today, repent and enjoy the privilege of God's forgiveness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 52
I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. - Psalm 52:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
God protects His people. During the plagues visited on Pharaoh, the Egyptians suffered from swarms of flies, but the Israelite slaves in Goshen were spared. The Egyptians' livestock died from disease, but the Israelites' livestock did not fall sick. And so it went through to the final plague, when the Egyptians' firstborn died, but not those of Israelites who put lambs' blood on their doorposts. God said: “I will deal differently with the land of Goshen, where my people live . . . so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. I will make a distinction between my people and your people” (Ex. 8:22-23).

God judges the proud and protects those faithful to Him, as we also learn in today's reading. The occasion for the psalm was a time when Saul was trying to capture and kill David. Doeg was one of Saul's servants, the chief shepherd, and in the episode referred to he coldbloodedly slaughtered 85 priests and an entire town, including infants (1 Sam. 22).

Most likely thinking of Doeg in these circumstances, David described the character (vv. 1-4) and fate (vv. 5-7) of the evil person. He's boastful, slanderous, deceitful, and destructive. His tongue is “like a sharpened razor” (v. 2). Wrong actions are not unfortunate mistakes, but a result of actually loving evil rather than good. No wonder he's a “disgrace in the eyes of God,” no wonder “God will bring [him] down to everlasting ruin”! He'll become an object lesson for the righteous, a reminder of how God handles those who trust in wrong things and do wrong actions.

By contrast with the uprooted tree (v. 5), a righteous person is like a thriving olive tree (vv. 8-9). Olive trees, which can live for centuries, here and elsewhere in Scripture symbolize well-being and prosperity. Most important, this “olive tree” puts his faith in the Lord and His lovingkindness, rejoicing in Him rather than boasting in self.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today's psalm, a righteous person is pictured as a flourishing tree (v. 8; cf. Ps. 92:12-15). Psalm 1:3 makes a similar comparison, speaking of “a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.” As a concrete way of meditating on this biblical picture, we encourage you to plant a tree—one appropriate to your climate and the season—in your yard or in your neighborhood. As you care for it and watch it grow, use it as a reminder of God's gardening in your life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 53
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.“ - Psalm 53:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
For decades, philosopher Anthony Flew argued that religious beliefs could not meet modern, scientific criteria for rational acceptance. But in 2004, at age 81, he changed his mind. The complexity of DNA convinced him that “intelligence must have been involved” in the design and creation of life. Flew is now a deist not a theist, since he sees “God” as distant and “utterly uninvolved in the lives of human beings.” Though he remains far from Christian faith, it is encouraging to see that the available evidence can persuade even the most ardent atheist that some sort of God must exist.

Only a fool, wrote David, would believe there is no God (v. 1). Faithlessness is foolishness, and such foolishness is evil, “corrupt” like rotten fruit. On our own, in fact, no one seeks God or does right (vv. 2-3), an idea that today we call the doctrine of original sin. This means that even if people are not avowed atheists like Anthony Flew, they tend to be “practical atheists,” living as if there were no God and as if they were the center of the universe.

Will evildoers never learn (vv. 4-5)? Not only does God exist but He acts on behalf of His people. Those who attack God's people are always defeated in the end. The righteous have nothing to fear, for God is fighting on their behalf. The godless who thought no “God” would come to the rescue were colossally wrong! The psalm ends with a prayer that all this will happen soon (v. 6).

Psalm 53 is probably a revised version of Psalm 14 (only verses 5b-6 are different). But Psalm 53 uses the past tense, indicating an even stronger expression of faith. It is a powerful encouragement to the godly: Things might look bad, the wicked might appear to be doing as they please, but there's no reason to worry or fear. God will win the victory!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Tradition holds that David wrote today's psalm with Nabal in mind as the quintessential “fool.” Take some time today to re-read the narrative of David's encounter with Abigail and Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. Reflect on the characteristics of godly hospitality and on why welcoming the stranger is so important to God. What are the links between hospitality and faith? And how can you exercise better hospitality in more faith-filled ways? For more exhortations on hospitality, review 1 Peter 4:9-10 and Hebrews 13:1-2.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 54
Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might. - Psalm 54:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
The well-known “Breastplate Prayer” of Patrick says: “I rise today with the power of God to guide me, the might of God to uphold me, the wisdom of God to teach me, the eye of God to watch over me, the ear of God to hear me, the word of God to give me speech, the hand of God to protect me, the path of God to lie before me, the shield of God to shelter me, the host of God to defend me against the snares of the devil and the temptations of the world, against every man who meditates injury to me, whether far or near.”

Psalm 54 is another famous prayer for protection. As with Psalm 52, the header tells us that David was on the run from Saul. Ziph was a town in southern Judah, so the Ziphites were of the same tribe as David. It's unknown why they would want to betray him, but twice they tried to turn him over to Saul (1 Sam. 23:19-20; 26:1).

This psalm has two basic components—prayer for deliverance and praise that it will surely come. The prayer includes a cry to “save me” and a corresponding petition to destroy the enemy (vv. 1-2, 5). Rescue would vindicate David and prove him right, and by this request he asserted that it had not happened because of his own sin. He was therefore justified in asking that “evil recoil” on those who did it. While this sounds like people reaping what they sow, it also means that God righteously judges sin and faithfully protects His own (cf. Isa. 13:11).

Both David's prayer and praise were rooted in his faith (vv. 3-4, 6-7). Though his attackers were “men without regard for God,” he trusted unwaveringly in the Lord as the “one who sustains” his life. He knew without a doubt that God would win the victory, and he looked forward to sacrificing and praising Him on that day.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Psalm 54 has a similar structure and content to Psalm 51. For further study, if you wish, outline today's psalm using the outline for lament psalms introduced on October 10. It includes (1) invocation or cry to the Lord; (2) lament or complaint; (3) petition or request; (4) expression of faith or confidence; and (5) praise or vow to praise God. This exercise will help you dive deeper into the text and expand your understanding of the ideas put forth and the feelings expressed.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 55
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. - Psalm 55:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
On January 10, 2005, a U.S. Navy submarine traveling at high speed south of Guam ran head on into an undersea mountain. One sailor was killed and 24 injured out of a crew of 137. The submarine itself also suffered some damage, especially to the sonar dome in the nose. It was later determined that the main cause of the tragic accident was out-of-date charts. The submarine crashed because it had been betrayed by bad maps.

Betrayal feels like that—you're cruising along and run head-on into a brick wall. That's certainly how the psalmist felt in today's reading. The historical occasion is unclear. If we interpret these verses literally, it seems that a conspiracy (perhaps Absalom's rebellion?) was threatening David's kingship. Perhaps as in the previous psalm, the betrayals of the Ziphites might be the background.Since we don't know for sure, it's also possible that David used poetic license to capture the intense feelings involved. In any case, the early church associated this psalm with the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.

The introduction (vv. 1-3) asks God to hear and answer in the midst of difficulty. David felt “distraught” from the angry actions of his enemies. He was in anguish, terrified, needing refuge, and desperate to escape (vv. 4-8). He compared himself to a dove—small and relatively helpless, but at least it had wings and could fly away, whereas he felt trapped and tormented. His prayer (vv. 9-15) vividly implores God to deal righteously with the wicked, he makes the shocking revelation that the person responsible was a former friend and fellow worshiper.

The remainder of the psalm has the tone of a sermon. David explained how God would surely help him (vv. 16-18), how He would surely punish the covenant-betrayer (vv. 19-21), and the bottom-line principle that God never lets the righteous fall (vv. 22-23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Praying back the words of Scripture can be a spiritually deepening habit to acquire, and there's no better place to build this habit than in the psalms. We invite you to “borrow” Psalm 55 liberally during your prayer time today, picking and choosing words and phrases that fit your circumstances. Today's verse, for example, might become the center of a longer prayer in which you ask for faith to believe it, wisdom about how to do it, joy that it is true, and praise for God's rock-solid trustworthiness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 1:1-17
Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham. - Matthew 1:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever tried to research your family background? These days, the Internet can be a helpful tool in this regard. At a Web site such as Genealogy.com, for example, you can use the “Family Finder” to search available data for information relevant to you. Depending on what you find, the site will also help you make a basic family tree.

Our reading today of a genealogy may seem unexciting, but it has much to tell us. In this passage, Matthew traced Jesus back to Abraham and emphasized His ancestry through Joseph. (In contrast, Luke traces Jesus’ physical ancestors through His mother, Mary. See Luke 3:23–37.) Matthew had in mind a mainly Jewish audience, and he wanted to assert Jesus’ credentials as the Messiah. Christ is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term, Messiah. To introduce Jesus as “the son of David, the son of Abraham” called to mind the whole tradition of messianic prophecy (v. 1). God had told Abraham that through him all nations would be blessed, and had promised David that his throne would endure forever (Gen. 12:3; 2 Sam. 7:16).

In addition, Matthew quoted or alluded to the Old Testament more than any other book in the New Testament. He used Jewish terms such as kingdom of heaven and assumed a knowledge of Jewish tradition and history. His Jewish focus, however, wasn’t exclusive, as can be seen in the presence of non-Jews such as Ruth and Rahab in Jesus’ genealogy. Like all the Gospels, Matthew shows Jesus as Savior of the world.

As we do a book study of Matthew this month, we will trace central threads and themes: Jesus’ identity and how people responded to Him; discipleship, or living as citizens of God’s kingdom; the spiritual truths found in His parables; and the character and results of true faith and wisdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As we begin this month’s study of Matthew, we encourage you to take some time soon to read straight through this Gospel in one sitting. Doing so will help you get more out of this month’s devotionals because you’ll see the big picture more clearly from start to finish.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 1:18-2:23
They will call him “Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.” - Matthew 1:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a fourth-century Christmas sermon, St. John Chrysostom preached:

“What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of Days has become an infant. He who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He who cannot be touched, who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infant’s bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation [be] the measure of His goodness.”

Amen! The Christmas story, rightly understood, should fill our hearts with praise. First, we see many Old Testament prophecies fulfilled. Isaiah had foretold the virgin birth of the Messiah (1:23; Isa. 7:14). Micah had said His birthplace would be Bethlehem (2:6; Mic. 5:2). Hosea had spoken of a time in Egypt (2:15; Hos. 11:1). Jeremiah had foreseen the horrifying violence of Herod (2:18; Jer. 31:15). And various prophets had indicated the Messiah would be “despised,” or in Jesus’ day, the equivalent of being “called a Nazarene” (2:23; Isa. 53:3).

We also rejoice because God intervened in miraculous ways throughout the Christmas story. Jesus was born of a virgin–somehow, the Holy Spirit engineered His conception outside of the normal means (1:18). Angels, who are God’s messengers, delivered several special announcements. And how did the Magi know where and when to come to find the newborn King? God was clearly at work in their knowledge, the star they followed, and the dream, warning not to tell Herod.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Never mind that it’s April . . . after today’s devotional, don’t you feel like singing a Christmas song? Go for it!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 3:1-4:11
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. - Matthew 3:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Coca-Cola is the most valuable brand name in the world, estimated to be worth $70.5 billion in 2003. Sixty-two of last year’s top 100 brand names–including eight of the top ten–were American, including Microsoft, IBM, and General Electric.

Brand names command value because consumers want to have confidence that they are getting quality for their money. They like to recognize what they’re buying and from whom. A familiar logo can prompt a customer to say, “That one!”

Jesus’ baptism served a similar purpose. By it, the Father in effect said, “That one!”–the Son of God was publicly recognized and affirmed. And in resisting the temptations in the wilderness, Jesus proved His right to such affirmation.

John the Baptist knew Jesus was coming. He prepared the way, preaching that people must repent from sin to enter the kingdom of heaven. He must have touched a spiritual nerve, for many responded to his call. He told the crowds that another would come–one more powerful, with a superior baptism, and with authority to judge (3:11–12).

Why did Jesus ask John to baptize Him? He didn’t need purification from sin, which is what the baptism normally signified. Instead, He underwent baptism to obey the Father, consecrate Himself for ministry, and publicly identify with John’s message. The other two members of the Trinity–the Father’s voice from heaven and the Holy Spirit descending like a dove–put their seal of approval on His righteous obedience (vv. 16–17).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Luke 4:13 says the Devil left Jesus after the wilderness temptations, but only until an “opportune time.” That is, the battle against temptation continued throughout His life.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 4:12-25
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. - Matthew 4:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
How should the kingdom of heaven change the purpose of life? Timothy Dwight, grandson of Jonathan Edwards and president of Yale University, had an answer that remains relevant today .

The Christian’s plans will “be concerted in such a manner, as to embrace, and promote eternal purposes. They will be the plans of an immortal being, destined to act with immortal beings in a boundless field of existence: the plans of a dutiful and faithful subject of the infinite Ruler; of a child, warmed with perpetual and filial piety to his divine Parent; of a brother, finally united to the household which is named after Christ; of a redeemed, sanctified, returning prodigal, brought back with infinite compassion, and infinite expense, to the house of his father, and welcomed with exquisite joy by the family of the first-born. To glorify God, to bless his fellow-creatures, and to be blessed by both, will be the combined and perfect end for which he lives.”

When Jesus called His first disciples, this was the life to which He called them. And it is still the life to which He calls us as well.

His public commissioning and private testing done, Jesus began His public ministry. He began by preaching the same message as John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (v. 17).

“Kingdom of heaven” is a Jewish phrase found only in Matthew. We can define it as the “rule or reign of God,” as when we pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). At present this “kingdom” is spiritual, found in believers’ hearts, but we know that when Christ returns His kingdom will come in every sense of the word.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In today’s reading, Jesus called His first disciples to leave their fishing careers and follow Him. What is He calling you to do? Leave your family and serve Him overseas? Change jobs in midlife? Share the gospel more boldly with your neighbor? Volunteer to fill a ministry need at your church?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 5:1-48
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. - Matthew 5:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
In history, salt has carried many meanings. One superstition held that spilled salt brought bad luck. Others believed that every grain of spilled salt represents a tear to be shed in future troubles.

On the other hand, salt was a symbol of friendship to the ancient Greeks, who welcomed visitors with a pinch of salt in their right hands. In some cultures, salt was so valuable that it was part of laborers’ wages. And of course in modern times we are quite familiar with its properties as a seasoning and a preservative. It is perhaps these last few meanings that Jesus had in mind when He said, “You are the salt of the earth” (v. 13).

The famous Sermon on the Mount teaches how followers of Christ’s kingdom ought to live. Matthew 5, verses 1–16, give an overview, then verses 17–48 go into specifics. The initial overview lists qualities and actions that God will bless, including being poor in spirit (an attitude of humility and trust), hungering for righteousness, showing mercy, making peace, and being persecuted for the sake of godliness. The metaphors of salt and light are the climax of these Beatitudes, and the bottom line is that our obedient good deeds are all for the glory of God (v. 16).

The rest of the chapter consists of six mini-sermons that go into more detail about kingdom living. Though the principles given here contrast with legalistic traditions, it’s important to point out that Jesus was not opposing the Law–in fact, He said He came to fulfill it. Rather, He was probing its moral and spiritual essence in order to arrive at higher, harder truths (vv. 17–20, 48).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One of the many challenging commands in today’s reading is to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (v. 44). Are you doing this?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 6:1-34
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. - Matthew 6:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
“Which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life’s span?” Jesus asked rhetorically (v. 27, NASB). Maybe not, but some people in China are trying to add a “cubit” to their height’s span, anyway. They check into a hospital, where a doctor cuts leg bones in two, puts on a brace, and waits for new bone tissue to grow in the gap. Called the Ilizarov procedure, it is painful and dangerous.

Why do they do it? In highly competitive urban China, tallness is an important advantage in getting good jobs and spouses. Newspaper employment and personal ads even list height requirements!

Jesus warned against this things-of-earth attitude in today’s reading. In this second installment of the Sermon on the Mount, He continued to describe kingdom living and exhort us to seek heavenly treasures.

The passage begins with three examples of true godliness (vv. 1–18). First, generosity to the poor should be done quietly. If it is done publicly–that is, for human recognition–God will not reward it. Second, true prayer includes the basic elements in Jesus’ model prayer, especially including forgiveness. Again, this spiritual practice is contrasted to the “prayers” offered by show-offs and hypocrites. And third, fasting should likewise be done with sincerity and humility.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you wish, try to memorize Matthew 6:19–21 by the end of the day: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”