The Word for Today with Ray

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Elijah to Come - Matthew 11:14

Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John”, and in chapter eleven and verse fourteen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitudes this was, “Elijah … to come” where we read:

And if you will receive it, this is Elijah, which was for to come.

The verse reads, “And if you will receive it, this is Elijah, ...” Matthew began with the words, “and if” which means “and whether” “you will receive it” or “the multitudes will take hold, accept, sustain, bear and endure the following statement”, “this is Elijah” which means “John the Baptist is the prophesied One like unto Elijah”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitude if they would accept it, John the Baptist was the “Elijah” who was prophesied to be the fore-runner of the Messiah.

The verse continues, “... which was for to come.” Matthew added the words, “which was for” which means “that was prophesied” “to come” or “to arise and appear on the scene”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the crown that John the Baptist was the “Elijah” referred to in the book of Malachi. (See Malachi 4:5)

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus confirmed John the Baptist as the fore-runner to Himself. Jesus shared how John fulfilled scripture as he was obedient to proclaim that Jesus Christ is the “lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”. (See John 1:29) This prophesy was fulfilled by John the Baptist, and Jesus is the “Savior and Lord” of all who receive Him. Those who are wise shall think about this and realize, God loves them, and His plan of “salvation” is flawless including sending of John the Baptist.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus refers to, “he that has ears to hear”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

All the Law and Prophets Until John - Matthew 11:13

Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirteen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitudes, “all the law and prophets prophesied” where we read:

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

The verse reads, “For all the prophets and the law ...” Matthew began with the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account that” “all the prophets” or “each, every, the whole and everyone of the ones who were moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman and solemnly declare to men what they has received by inspiration especially concerning future events and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation” “and the law” which refers to “the rule producing a state approved of God”. Matthew shared how Jesus referred to everyone of the “prophets” and all of the “law”.

The verse continues, “... prophesied until John.” Matthew added the word, “prophesied” which means “spoke forth and predicted by divine inspirations” “until John” or “till the time of John the Baptist”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitudes John the Baptist came after the other “prophets and the law” had been given.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus referred to both the “law” and the “prophets” before the time when John the Baptist came on the scene. God had a plan for the redemption of man through His Son Jesus, and the “prophets, the law and John the Baptist” were all part of that plan. God loves people, and He wants everyone to be in a relationship with Him. Those who are wise will yield their lives to Him with the understanding that the “law, the prophets and John the Baptist” were used to bring forth His Messiah Jesus.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus declared, “this is Elijah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

The Kingdom of Heaven Suffers Violence - Matthew 11:12

Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he”, and in chapter eleven and verse twelve of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitudes, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence” where we read:

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence,

and the violent take it by force.

The verse reads, “ And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, ...” Matthew began with the words, “and from the days” which means “and from the time and origin” “of John the Baptist” or “pertaining to John the Baptist” “until now” which means “till the present moment and time” “the kingdom” which refers to “the royal power, kingship and dignity” “of heaven” or “pertaining to the region above the sidereal heavens, where the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “suffers violence” which means “uses and inflicts force”. Matthew shared how the “Kingdom of Heaven” applies force upon the world.

The verse goes on to say, “... and the violent take it by force.” Matthew continued with the words, “and the violent” which means “and the strong, forceful and energetic” “take it” or “seize, carry off by force and claim for one's self eagerly” “by force” which means “through and by means of seizing, carrying off, claiming and snatching out or away”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the crowd there are “strong and energetic” forces that come against the “kingdom of heaven”.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how there are opposing forces at work in the world concerning the “kingdom of heaven”. God's “kingdom” came into the world through Jesus Christ with the announcement of John the Baptist, and it forcefully engaged the “kingdom of darkness” that held people in their sin. This “violent” force resists the “kingdom of God” and thereby causes “war” in the spiritual world. God shall prevail, and mankind will be “saved” through His Son Jesus if they will only “believe and trust in” Him. Let all who are engaged in this battle yield themselves to Jesus Christ who has prevailed against any and all “forces” that come against Him.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus shares how, “all the prophets and the law prophesied until John”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

None Greater than John the Baptist - Matthew 11:11

Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus, “began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went you out for to see? A prophet? yes, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, which shall prepare your way before you”, and in chapter eleven and verse eleven of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitudes, “that has not risen a greater than John the Baptist” where we read:

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

The verse reads, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist:” Matthew began with the word, “verily” which means “truly, surely and firmly” “I say” or “Jesus utters, declares and proclaims” “unto you” which means “to the multitudes”, “among them that are born” which refers to “by and with the people who are begotten” “of women” or “pertaining to female humans” “there has not risen” which means “there has not aroused, awaken or produced” “a greater than” or “an elder to, stronger than or a person more important than” “John the Baptist” which refers to “John who was a baptizer who administers the rite of baptism”. Matthew shared how Jesus told the multitude there was not a person “born among” people who was “greater” that John the Baptist.

The verse continues, “notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew added the word, “notwithstanding” which means “moreover and ” “he that is least” or “the person who is the smallest in rank or influence” “in the kingdom” which means “within the royal power, kingship and dignity” “of heaven” which refers to “pertaining to the region above the sidereal heavens, where the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “is greater” or “exist as elder to, stronger than or one more important” “than he” which refers to “than John the Baptist”. Matthew shared how the person who is of the “smallest” within God's “kingdom” is “greater” than John the Baptist.

When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus shared the exalted position of John the Baptist and told the crowd that the “smallest” one in God's kingdom is “greater” than John the Baptist. This may seem too good to be true, and yet, it isn't. God Almighty had a plan to “redeem” man into a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, and those who submit their lives to Him shall be known as some of the most advantaged people in the entire world.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus shares, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

God's Preparing Messenger - Matthew 11:10

Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus, “began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. But what went you out for to see? A prophet? yes, I say unto you, and more than a prophet”, and in chapter eleven and verse ten of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus referred to scripture where it reads, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face” where we read:

For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

which shall prepare your way before you.

The verse reads, “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before your face, ...” Matthew began with the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account of” “this is he” or “John the Baptist is the male person” “of whom” which means “belonging to the one that” “it is written” which refers to “it is delineated or formed with letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material”, “Behold” or “lo and see”, “I send” which means “God dismissed and sent off” “my messenger” or “God's envoy and one who is sent” “before your face” which means “in the presence of and in front of people's countenances and appearances”. Matthew shared how Jesus referred to the book of Malachi chapter three and verse one where it says, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in: behold, he shall come, says the LORD of hosts”, and He therein confirmed John the Baptist as this “messenger”.

The verse goes on to say, “... which shall prepare your way before you.” Matthew continued with the words, “which shall prepare” which means “who will furnish, equip and make ready” “your way” or “the Messiah's path, journey and traveling” “before you” which means “in advance and in front of the Messiah”. Matthew shared how Jesus continued Malachi's idea about the mission of the forerunner to the Messiah.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus employed the scripture to validate John the Baptist as His prophesied “fore-runner”. Though He asked the multitude who they “went out to see”, Jesus knew John's purpose was to clear the way for Him to come. God had a plan for the redemption of man, and when He sent John the Baptist to announce Jesus as the Messiah, John fulfilled the prophesy given by Malachi four hundred years in advance of his appearing, and those who are wise shall yield to the only One and true Messiah – Jesus.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus shares, “among them that are born of women there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.