Sunday, December 2nd
Pastor Lee Copeland
Download sermon here.
Seeing as it is Christmas season, the normal series by Pastor Lee on Malachi is on hold for awhile. We will look at Matthew 2 beginning with verses 1-12.
This is the familiar story introducing the Old Story which may we never grow indifferent to its beauty or profound truth. Matthew is the Gospel to the Jews since it makes reference to Old Testament prophesies concerning the Messiah. Micah 5:2 teaches that the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem which appropriately in Hebrew means “House of bread”. Micah 5:1-6 speaks of the Assyrian victory over the northern kingdom and much of Judah, though Jerusalem was rescued by the Lord in a miraculous way. Yet right in the middle of judgment, God tells of the Messiah who will rule His people Israel. Remember Psalm 97 at the end where David says light and joy will he sown for the upright in heart. Often the most terrible of situations will later by God’s grace contain great blessing.
Look at the ugly attitudes – Herod, the Scribes, and the Jewish people in Jerusalem in contrast to the beautiful attitude of the Gentile Magi or wise men who, based on faith in a prophecy signaled by a star, travel for many months to worship the King of the Jews. Think about the implacable hatred of the old king to any competition for his throne. As you read through the chapter try to stick to the text itself without the myth of church tradition such as the three Kings, their names or their vocation. Their importance lies in their relation to the Christ as ours does as well. Significance in life comes from association with the Messiah. Doing our work as unto the Lord makes it significant for eternity. Even if we live 75 years, we are going to be dead a long time.
See you Sunday,
Lee