”many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples" . Matthew did not keep his conversion secret: rather, he made it the opportunity for his acquaintances to hear Jesus for themselves. So we read that tax collectors and sinners sat at his table. Any not accepted in the synagogue found ... Read more
”if you consider me a partner". Partners can sometimes be easier to make than to keep, especially if we are not prepared to maintain the relationship. Philemon no doubt thought it an honour to have the Apostle Paul as a personal friend. The test came when on the strength of that friendship he was asked ... Read more
”I will listen to what God the Lord says". There are a number of steps you'll need to take if you are going to join the Psalmist: stop all else you're doing; switch off television and radio; discard the tinsel that obscures reality; remove the wax from your ears; pay more attention to what God ... Read more
”faithful over a few things". As children we play at what we one day expect to be real. Adulthood is not long reached before we realise few if any of our childhood dreams will come true. But it is not what you have missed but what you have been given that is important. Adult life ... Read more
”they … wished for the day" . Storm or distress or grief can make the night seem endless. When tossed to and fro by the waves as Paul and his companions were, or so disturbed that bed in the safety of home does not grant sleep, you long for day. Suffering can seem like a ... Read more
”You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once". Many parallels may be drawn between the restrictions laid by Jehovah upon the Children of Israel and God's plan for His disciples today. Here is one of them. Success was not to be achieved immediately in the overthrow of the nations ranged against God's ... Read more
”he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God". It is a natural desire to want to succeed. We are given pounds to trade with and talents to use. But it is making a profit without thought of God or seeking His will in it all that condemns us. And the ... Read more
”the glory which shall be revealed in us". Who are these that are to have glory revealed in them? They are nothing special to look at - it's probably only when under pressure or duress you'd pick them out. Their educational attainment may not be outstanding though some are keen to take every opportunity to ... Read more
”when they got into the boat, the wind ceased". The disciples' experience is a picture of those who enter into the ark of salvation upon the seas of life. Many make shipwreck of the life God has given them. It was not Peter's return to the boat, but Jesus' coming aboard that brought the calm. ... Read more
”I am the Lord". The Lord repeatedly reminded the Israelites that He was Lord as He gave instructions for their behaviour. Look at the prohibitions: No idols - wood, stone or any man-made icon; No Sabbath desecration - it is the day to rest. Look at the long list of blessings: Good crops and harvest; ... Read more