PT-1 "Intro to Matthew 28:16-20)

 

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 10/21/2024 8:49 AM

 

My Worship Time                                                         Focus:  PT-1 “Intro to Matthew 28:16-20”

 

Bible Reading & Meditation                                              Reference:  Matthew 28:16-20

 

            Message of the verses:  “16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20  teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”

 

            Today I begin my last section from the book of Matthew, something that I started almost five years ago.  I can say that a lot of things have happened in the world, in my life, in my families lives in the last five years, things that are seemingly good and some seemingly bad, but I know that the Lord is in control of my life and for that I am thankful. 

 

            I have to say that the introduction to these last verses in the gospel of Matthew will take a little bit of time to get through and probably a good portion of it will be quoted from the commentary of John MacArthur, and again I make no apologies for using his commentary to aid me in my study of the Bible because I believe that his sermons and commentaries are things that can help me and those who read my Spiritual Diaries that I put onto my blogs will help believers grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and for unbelievers the truth will be there in order understand the need for salvation, the greatest need for all people of every tribe and tongue.

 

            As I begin this introduction to these last verses I want to say how very important it is to understand these final verses for if a Christian understands all the rest of the gospel of Matthey but he fails to understand this closing passage, then he has missed the point of the entire book, so I will be my goal to help myself and those who read these Spiritual Diaries to understand these final verses, and of course it will have to be through the power of the Holy Spirit for me to make it clear what these verses mean.  MacArthur writes “This passage is the climax and major focal point not only of this gospel but of the entire New Testament.  It is not an exaggeration to say that, in its broadest sense, it is the focal point of the all Scripture, Old Testament as well as New.”

 

            Now I would say that that was quite a statement, something that I certainly have never thought of in the way that MacArthur writes.  I guess that I will certainly have to pay attention to make sure that I understand the great importance of these verses. 

 

            He goes on to write:  “This central message of Scripture pertains to the central mission of the people of God, a mission that, tragically, many Christians do not understand or are unwilling to fulfill.  It seems obvious that some Christians think little about their mission in this world, except in regard to their own personal needs.  They attend services and meetings when it is convenient, take what they feel like taking, and have little concern for anything else.  They are involved in the church only to the extent that it serves their own desires.  It escapes both their understanding and their concern that the Lord has given His church a supreme mission that He calls every believer to be an instrument in fulfilling that mission.”

 

            I am going to stop what MacArthur is writing for this SD, but Lord willing will continue to quote from this all important introduction in my next SD.  Right now I want to quote the last part of my prayer list that I use at least five days a week, and use other things the other two days.  I totally believe that what I am about to write, which actually comes from a dear friend of my whose passion is the saving of souls, and so this completely goes along with this introduction to these final verses in Matthew’s gospel. 

 

“25. Pray 938, that is from Matthew 9:38 “"Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’”  I pray that the Lord will work in the hearts of His Church to send new missionaries out into the field to do work for the cause of Christ.  I pray for those who are living in their homes that they too will be ready to give out the good news of the Gospel to those that the Holy Spirit brings into their lives.  Use me to do this in our neighborhood, and around the world through the blogs that I write.”

 

            My friend has his smart phone set at both 9:38 in the morning and in the evening in order to “Pray 9:38.  I have to say that I pray this mostly in the morning each day, and I will challenge those who read this Spiritual Diary to begin to make a habit to do the same.  It could be the most important thing you do each day.

 

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  Pray 938, that is from Matthew 9:38 “"Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’” 

 

            My Steps of Faith for Today:  Pray 9:38.

 

10/21/2024 9:29 AM