righteousness of God – Be Still…

Matthew 5:17-48 – How Jesus Teaches

As followers of Jesus, we trust that what Jesus teaches us is what we should follow. Jesus helps us make sense of the laws God had introduced in the Old Testament under what is called the Old Covenant. Jesus ushers in the New Covenant promises that God made for those who follow Jesus.

As we seek to know how God wants us to live, listening to what Jesus has to say is helpful. Jesus never condemns the law but gives us a new way to understand it. It’s also helpful to remember God gave the law in the first place to help and protect his people. Continue reading “Matthew 5:17-48 – How Jesus Teaches”

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – What He Endured for Us

Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Jesus knew suffering firsthand, up close and personal, and in a most dreadful, horrific way. We may often feel alone in our own struggles, but knowing Jesus is familiar with our pain can be comforting. This passage can be shocking to read, especially the first time. To know that what Jesus endured for us was foretold by the prophet, Isaiah, is such a powerful revelation, isn’t it?

So far during our Discovering the Bible Together Challenge, we’ve met Jesus as our Messiah and Servant King. Now we know him for his sacrificial suffering. What love! How does that make you feel to realize all Jesus has done for you? Continue reading “Isaiah 52:13-53:12 – What He Endured for Us”

Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Time is Coming

Read Jeremiah 23:5-6

When I think of the people alive at the time of Jesus’ birth, I can only imagine this prophetic word would have brought comfort. However, based on these words, the people were expecting a great warrior king that would come and restore peace and safety. The world Jesus was born into was full of evil and corruption. God’s people lived in fear and needed a Savior. They just didn’t know their Savior would look like Jesus.

Jesus was that “righteous descendant from King David’s line.” Matthew’s gospel does a great job of revealing that genealogy. This wise king, Jesus, would save the people and return them to safety. How Jesus would do this was not with a mighty sword or battle as the people expected. Although, the battles being fought in the unseen realm are likely greater than we can possibly imagine. Continue reading “Jeremiah 23:5-6 – The Time is Coming”

Job 29:1-25 – Memory Lane

Read Job 29:1-25

It’s good to remember that the book of Job is considered to be poetic in nature even though it contains dialogue. Here Job is taking quite a walk down memory lane describing his past successes and blessings. It’s hard for us to picture such a lavish lifestyle for Job, now so lost and abused by his friends.

If you had first met Job when he was living the life he describes here, how would you have helped him in his distress? I imagine the friends we have heard from previously dealt with that very problem. However, we haven’t been told anything particular about the basis for these friendships or been given details about the friends’ backstory. Continue reading “Job 29:1-25 – Memory Lane”