Volume 5: Rest in Messianic Checkpoint

 

Moment of Rest This Week:

On my walk, I stumbled upon the Disc Dogs tournament, and like everyone else, I stopped and watched. As I looked around, I realized that I had quickly become a part of a bigger group that was simply in awe of the dogs' skills and rooting for the dogs' success, even though we were all complete strangers. I love moments like this, when it seems that everyone is able to set aside any stresses and be present, laugh, and cheer. Humanity isn't fully lost!!

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The year 2022 has not ended yet, but I can already tell you what the best part of this year has been : reading the Bible In A Year with Father Mike. I have independently read the Bible in a year before, but this year has been really special. Every morning, I have simply had to just show up, and Father Mike does the work. He has helped the Bible come to life more for me, as his commentary is full of characteristics of Christ and connections within the books. 

More on my gratitude for this Podcast to come at the end of the year, but I bring it up today to mention my excitement for the Messianic Checkpoint - getting to dive into Matthew this week. 

For the past 97 days, we've been making our way through the Old Testament. 

The rise and fall of corrupted Kings. 

The details of the temple being built in Ezekiel. 

The prophesy of the coming of judgement from Isaiah.

The weepings of Jeremiah. 

In this stretch of Exile history, I was finding myself easily distracted and not focused while listening. It was a lot of names, measurements, and detailed descriptions. 

But then.... came the Messianic Checkpoint! Taking a 9 day break to read in the gospels. It was a highly anticipated break, and as we read the first 4 chapters of Matthew, I quickly realized... the readings would not have been as meaningful if we had not just read through Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the other prophets.

Right there in the first two chapters of Matthew!!

Matthew 1:23 - All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet (Isaiah): "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel."

Matthew 2:17-18 - Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children, she refused to be comforted because they are no more."

And there are even more examples!

How cool is the Bible!! How lucky are we to have access to His Word. And even more, to have a God who is so completely weaved throughout all history.

The harder days of reading were not only worth it, they made it even better! 

And that's how the Lord works in our lives too huh! We have stretches of time of not feeling His presence as much, but He will show up and He is always there.