Day 19, January 19, 2021
Scriptures: Genesis 35, Matthew 13 Thank you for joining along with the reading. We are 19 days in, and by now, we are developing what is hopefully a steady routine of spending time reading the Word of God. In our Genesis reading today, we see the death of Isaac and Rachel. It ends with Esau and Jacob coming together to bury their father. What has been a tumultuous relationship throughout the last several chapters result in them coming together to honor their father, Isaac. Within this chapter as well, we see Jacob’s sons, the children of Israel. In the ongoing narrative of Israel, this is a fundamental piece to understanding Israel and the Bible story. These are the 12 tribes of Israel, and their names will be of critical importance to the rest of the way. Jesus’ preaching ministry is on display in Matthew 13. A common theme in all of the parables is concerning the kingdom of Heaven. A short comment here, I believe the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God to be referencing the reign of God over heaven and earth. Matthew is reverencing the name of God and using “heaven” to refrain from overusing the name of the Lord. The Kingdom of God/Heaven is the reign of Jesus as Lord and King, and we belong to it, and live within it, because we believe Jesus to be Lord and King, the Messiah. This calls for all of our loyalty, hope and allegiances. The message throughout the parables, similar in its various forms, is that the Kingdom is worth giving everything we have, to be a part of and belong. The Kingdom of God started in humble beginnings, like a mustard seed, and it grows and grows, enough to the point where it will encapsulate and entire new creation and new hope for the world. Weeds will grow within it, to discourage, and hinder the growth of this kingdom, but the weeds will not prevail! It is quite similar to the humble beginnings of a Promise given to Abraham, that results in a son Isaac, who has two sons, Esau and Jacob. Jacob who has 12 sons, will grow to become a great nation, and out of that nation, a King who will be born. And all of creation will call him King Jesus. Included in this wonderful chapter of Matthew is the Parable of the Sower. The parable reminding us of the importance of hearing and obeying the Word of God. To let it sink in and bear good fruit in our lives. The connection today, importantly, is our connection to the sons of Israel, the inheritance of the Promise given to Abraham, and the hope of the Kingdom of God. Cultivate the field that you might hear this and find your hope in Jesus alone. Cultivating the field to be open to the Truth of God’s Word, and letting it bear a good fruit in our lives for the glory of God and His Kingdom. You belong to the King and have a place in His Kingdom. Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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