Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for January 2

“…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son’” (Matthew 2:15b NKJV)

From: January 2, 2015

Some have asked why are there four gospels? The answer is uncertain, but clearly, each gospel has a unique perspective and purpose. Matthew shows us Jesus the King, Mark describes Him as Servant, Luke sees the Man, and John leads us to worship Jesus as God. In our Matthew reading today there are many references to “fulfilled” prophecies. Matthew is the most concerned to point these out to us. He clearly wrote to a Jewish audience and wanted to give them confidence that Jesus was the true Messiah and the rightful born King in the line of David. The lineage Matthew records in chapter one is to establish legal right to the throne through His adoptive father, Joseph (Whereas, Luke records Mary’s lineage, establishing Jesus’ biological connection to the house of David). In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus is presented as a child living in a house in Bethlehem to which Magi bring Him gifts fit for a king (While in Luke, He is a lowly infant born in a manger). In Matthew 2:15, he quotes from the prophet Hosea (Hos.11:1) explaining His connection to Egypt. In Matthew chapter two alone there are four Messianic prophecies mentioned to point out how Christ fulfilled them.
Why did Matthew write His gospel? I believe the Spirit inspired him to organize his gospel, so that we might see Jesus as the One who fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy to be recognized as the Christ, the Son of David, the Son God and the King of Kings.

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:7)

From: January 2, 2014

The one who reads and studies Proverbs is promised wisdom. What is the foundation of this understanding? The fear of the Lord. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus said not to fear those who can only kill the body, but instead to fear the One who can send both body and soul to hell. For those who have received Jesus, the fear of judgment and hell is removed. Yet, the fear of God’s holy displeasure is not. As His children we want to please the Father. We “fear” (respect, honor) Him so much that we do not want to leave any sin unconfessed. The fool however, has not learned this healthy fear.

“He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1)

From: January 2, 2013

The first temptation by the serpent was to question God’s Word. His evil strategy hasn’t changed. It’s not enough to know the Word, we must also believe it. Let’s counter today’s culture of biblical illiteracy and doubt. Read, know and believe God’s Word.

“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master” (Genesis 4:7)

From: January 2, 2012

Good advice for a new year. Sin is crouching like a lion ready to pounce. Be ready to fight temptation. We are in a battle, put on the full armor of God!