August 30, 2026 - Matthew 1-7

Four hundred and fifty or so years passed between Malachi’s ministry and the birth of Immanuel.  Even so, the story does not miss a beat.  Matthew tells the story of the birth of Jesus and writes, “Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet . . .” (1:22).  After all, it is one story, and now it just continues.

Matthew quickly moves into the Sermon on the Mount.  It’s good to read that entire sermon and be reminded that it’s not simply a long list of thou shalts and thou shalt nots.  What wonderful encouragements!

The promise of blessing, even when we are bowed down in spirit and persecuted.

The encouragement to shine.

The promise to those who keep God’s Word that they will have great reward.

Directions to watch our hearts and minds.

Instructions about how to pray and assurance that God will hear.

The relief for anxiety, i.e., don’t layup treasures on earth, but in heaven.

Rightly, Jesus taught that the wise man builds his house on the rock!

My hope is built on nothing less

than Jesus' blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, his covenant, his blood,

support me in the whelming flood;

when all around my soul gives way,

he then is all my hope and stay.   --Edward Mote (1834)