Matthew 1 - Praying God's Word

 

Please read Matthew 1.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/mat/1/1/s_930001

Meditate on verses 20 and 24 and on Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20.

 

But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the LORD appeared to

 him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take

 Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her

 is of the Holy Spirit. And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as

the angel of the LORD commanded him and took Mary as his wife.

 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

teaching them to observe all that I commanded you."

 

The book of Matthew ends with Jesus’ command to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

And, He said the way to disciple a new believer was to teach them to obey ALL of His commandments (Matthew 28:20).  As you read and pray Matthew, look for Jesus’ commands.  You may want to underline them in your Bible and/or write them in a journal. 

 

Interestingly, the book begins with a command followed by obedience.  Joseph was commanded to not be afraid and take Mary as his wife (v. 20).  Joseph obeyed immediately (v. 24). 

 

Ask the LORD to help you read Matthew with obedient eyes.  Use the words from Matthew 1:20 and 24 to pray over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

 

“LORD, help __________ and me hear You say, ‘Do not be afraid.’ 

Help us obey this first command in Matthew.

LORD, teach us to do all You command.

In Your name, Jesus~”

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell