Saturday, December 28, 2019

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 28 December 2019


Nazareth

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.(Matthew 2:19-23)

Today’s Morsel:  Following the life of Jesus, we can see in many ways why we are to pattern our lives after Him.  When His parents brought Him out of Egypt, they turn into Galilee and dwell in Nazareth as the prophets had said so that He would be called a Nazarene.  The Greek word for Nazarene by extension is a Christian.  So for what other reason would Jesus bring us out of the world other than to become Christians; believers and followers of Him?   Therefore, we can’t say that we are Christians and devote all our life and time to the world.  Everything associated with Christianity begins with Christ.  “And the hand of the Lord was with them, Luke wrote, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.(Acts 11:21-26)  You can only be called a Christian if you believe in Christ and devote yourself to following Him.  

Sing:  Where He leads me, I will follow.  Where He leads me, I will go.  You have called me, I will answer,  lead me Lord I will go.

Thought For Today: True Christians still believe and follow Him.

No comments:

Post a Comment