Shine for Christ

Hey friend, I believe you had a great New Year celebration. I trust that God blessed the New Year services at your church. By God's grace, mine was delightful too.

Shall we now dive deep and gather the pearls? When I was reading Matthew 1 to 5, the emphasis laid on my heart was that our God is the one who fulfills His promises to us. Everyone's story from the beginning—from Abraham, as seen in the genealogy—was traveling toward the fulfillment of God's promise about the Messiah, the birth of Jesus. The genealogy conveys this message. It speaks of generations going through changes: from family dynamics to kingships, then into captivity, and finally arriving at the fulfillment of the promise. No matter what changes occurred in history, God's Son was born as promised. Matthew 1:21 even mentions the name God gave His Son before His birth.

Matthew is full of beautiful symbols. For instance, God wants us to be like a star that leads people to Jesus, like a light set on a high place that shines with good works. Jesus speaks of us being the salt that adds true taste to life. We are also a city on a hill. When I was young, I visited Bombay, and one night, at a friend's house, I saw a mountain full of houses shining like golden lights. Are we giving such a beautiful sight unto God when He looks at us? Are we bringing delight to Him? Certainly, Jesus delighted the heart of the Father. God said in verse 17, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

When the devil quoted Scripture, Jesus responded with the words, "It is written, it is written." Are we capable of quoting God's Word to fight and overcome the enemy and the temptations he brings? In chapter 4, verse 19, Jesus calls the disciples to follow Him. They followed Him, leaving everything else behind. Do we have that trust?

Wherever Jesus went, He was surrounded by multitudes. He gave them freedom from sickness and demon possession. Are we following Him closely, like the multitude?

Dear God, may You work in us and keep us as a star, a light, salt, and a city on the top of the mountain. May we receive the same words You spoke to Jesus. May we hear You saying that we please Your heart. Dear Jesus, fill us with Your words. May we overcome every temptation with Your Word. May we follow You closely and learn from You every day through Your holy Word. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.