MATTHEW
CHAPTER
4
Due to an internal error I was under the impression that all the published posts were being shared to all in my circles and contacts, however according to the feedback that I received the chapters following Exodus chapter 33 and Matthew chapter 1 to 3 were not received by all. In order In order not to keep on filling your inbox with chapters please click on the following link that is there for your perusal and view the missing chapters. Thanks and God bless
1. Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 1)
Once that we receive God's baptism and we become part of the family of God we become open to the temptations of the Devil, who will start or continue to hate us as much as he hates Jesus and those who desire and wilfully try to walk in His ways. Therefore especially if, we are still toddlers and full of Spirit or still in our 'honeymoon' period with Jesus, we are to be aware that in this of our relationship with God we are still weak and prone to be tempted by the Devil and his evil spirits. Therefore as a means of self-defence in order to keep our firewall activated we are to remain firm in our daily prayers and meditation on the Word of God, so that our focus will remain planted on Him and not on the ways of the Devil who makes bad use of the ways of the world, both on line and offline. All that God has overlaid with gold to be used with a good intent such as the Internet among others, the Devil corrupts it by using it or turning it into a bad and sinful way in order to tempt us to fall into one sin after another such as in the visiting of pornographic sites or sites that are atheist in both content and visual content. Therefore let us keep our firewalls activated and our virus scanners updated and active so that with the grace of God we can withstand the temptations of the evil one.
2. He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. 3. The tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
(Matthew chapter 4 verses 2 to 3)
On having reached the state of exhaustion of our situations the evil one moves in to strike us with his dagger, the weapon of depression and desperation. The aim of the Devil is to destroy our faith and hope in God as in the following link, so that we may place our trust in him and give him praise and worship. In order to view a typical manifestation of his evil power please click on the following link;-
4. But he answered, "It is written, 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 4)
On being tempted by the Devil, Jesus did not use, psychology, philosophy or rhetoric to counteract the temptations of the Devil. On the contrary Jesus quoted scripture based on His relationship with God His father. It is a fact that God the' Master Creator' is our sole benefactor. All existence and resources has its roots in Him and even owes to You my God its very existence. Your Word is strong and nutritious enough to replenish my soul. You are able to fill in the black holes of my life, satisfy my urges, needs and desires. You are my fulfilment. Indeed there is none like You my God.
In a spirit of praise and worship I invite you to join me in listening to this prayer and maybe even lift your hearts in praise by singing along with our source
5. Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6. saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down: for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you,' and 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone."
(Matthew chapter 4 verses 5 to 6)
As in the case of Jesus and the Devil, the evil one first gives us all we need to reach the pinnacle of our needs or careers that he turns to evil doing, and then comes 'pay day' when he demands that we give our souls to him to be damned in hell forever. The Devil is able to make bad use of good means such as the misinterpretation of good means such as scripture which as in the given scenario is being quoted in order to achieve a negative means.
(Matthew chapter 4 verses 5 to 6)
As in the case of Jesus and the Devil, the evil one first gives us all we need to reach the pinnacle of our needs or careers that he turns to evil doing, and then comes 'pay day' when he demands that we give our souls to him to be damned in hell forever. The Devil is able to make bad use of good means such as the misinterpretation of good means such as scripture which as in the given scenario is being quoted in order to achieve a negative means.
7. Jesus said to him, to him "Again it is written, 'Do not put the LORD your God to the test.'"
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 7)
Oh how many times Oh Father have I put You to the test, You, the one and only reason for my existence. During moments of lack of faith I have truly done so my God. When I have placed a condition on my prayers I have tested You oh God. "If you find me a good job, I will fast for a year' which is an exaggerated but typical example of our conditions, which is a shame when considering that You oh God are always aware of our wants and needs.
8. Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor; 9.and he said to him. "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
(Matthew chapter 4 verses 8 to 9)
The devil showed You all that is of the world, with all its fake splendour. All that was Yours in the beginning that was created on a perfect model is now gradually becoming artificial and insufficient to meet the needs of the world. All that is appearing as splendour is deceptive and not as magnificent at is appears. Life is becoming so deceptive in the sense that both people and systems cannot be trusted and considered as being totally reliable. The devil offered You power, which in itself is ironic. The King of Kings has all the power that one can ever dream of, however You decided to take on Yourself the form of a human in order to redeem us. This is what I call true love.
10. Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him."
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 10)
Jesus shows Satan who really has power and authority. Jesus commands the devil to go away from him. Moreover Jesus claims that all praise and worship is to be focused on Him and not on people or things of the world. This means that no person has the authority to claim domination over another and exercise absolute, domination over that person as is the case where a person claims domination over another thus reducing that person to the point of human indignity. This can be the case in any scenario both at work and at home. A wife or a husband or even children can end up in an abusive situation where in order to comply with the needs and authority of the abuser one would have to accept conditions that are both inhumane and that go against both the will of God and even human values. This can also be the case in world powers where citizens are subjected to conditions that cannot be claimed as being human and are therefore a violation of human rights.
11. Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 11)
As in the case of Jesus after, a period of tribulation or even periods of tribulation God does not abandon us but sends His angels or even humans to help, support and even console us so that our spiritual, social and psychological welfare will not be harmed placed in a critical situation that conditions our faith in Him. As much as God loves His Son, God also loves us so we are to rest assured that even if we live at the end of the world God still has access to us and has compassion and love for us in our situation.
12. Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested he withdrew to Galilee.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 12)
Now that John had been arrested, the people were like flocks without a leader. One great spark had been removed, therefore it was time for Jesus to move in and begin His ministry. Now that He had been baptised in the Holy Spirit He was officially ready to undertake this mission that would lead to our salvation. God still works in the same way even today. When a pope or bishop, dies or retires as was the previous case even in Malta, the Roman Catholic Church in a spirit of prayer elects a new pope or bishop in order to fill in the vacant role. God does not want us to remain without leaders because this is unhealthy for our spiritual and holistic development.
13. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14. so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15. "Land of Zebulun, Land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-16. the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned."
(Matthew chapter 4 verses 13 to 16)
Jesus does not waste time, His mission was to begin where the need really is. However in order to reach this goal, you oh Son of God needed to venture from the land of your security into a land of sin that was dominated by the darkness of evil. As humans we also need to take the risk and make the leap of faith into the unknown in order to help fulfil the will of God even if this means going against our own will.
17. From that time Jesus began to proclaim, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 17)
The kingdom of God is You oh God! You have come so near to us, You are closer to us more than our own skin and blood but we do not experience You because we have become alienated by the ways of the world. Our lives has become dominated by our hobbies, festivities, parties, relationships both on line and offline that at times become unhealthy and also we have laid down our boundaries and let Satan enter our lives. The world is alienating us from You by means of technological advances that are causing us to meddle in issues such as genetics that is placing humanity in the centre of control and putting You aside. Forgive us oh God because we know not what we are doing and the negative implications of our actions. We are wearing a blindfold and are calling the darkness light and light darkness.
18. As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-for they were fishermen.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 18)
During our times Jesus is still making home visits and even work place visits. Oh Jesus You are craving to have fellowship with us by calling us to follow Your ways and make it our way of life. Every day God is calling however, in order to listen to Your call oh God we need to be available. However nonetheless You are still able to intervene even though we may shut the doors of our life to You.
19. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people."
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 19)
Today Jesus is asking us to follow in His steps. To follow in His steps means to adopt a new life style based on His teachings and those given by Him by means of the Church. In order to follow Jesus we will need to go against the sinful ways of the world which appear to be logical and give pleasure and place our focus on God alone. This does not mean that our lives become mediocre or depressive, or that we become social outcasts. Following Jesus means that we are to switch on the filter that is able to discriminate what is of God from what is not. Moreover from then on we will be strong enough by means of the Holy Spirit of God that dwells in us to encourage others to follow in the ways of God.
20. Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 20)
Our response to the calling of God is to be immediate that means without doubt or procrastination. Our faith is to be strong enough to compel us to respond to the call of God. In a spirit of praise and worship to God let us pray for us all because in some way or another we all have decided to follow God with a strong and serious commitment. On the other hand we can pray for our pope, priests monks, nuns, ministers and even spiritual leaders, for they have all renounced the ways of the world in order to follow You my God.
21. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets and he called them.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 21)
Zebedee and his family set a perfect example for us all. Some time or other our relationships tend to become stressed. We start stepping on each others toes and some of us may end up hurt or even seriously hurt in the process. However You love us so much that even after the negative elements of an argument have been expressed You kindly bring out the good from that same bad or negativity. I would like to thank You oh father that although my family was passing through a hard time, now the situation is much better so much that You have inspired my wife Shirley to start praying on the Gospel of St Mark Chapter 1, This means that we are reunited in a spirit of praise and worship to You Oh God. I pray that You bless us with a spirit of unity. I wish to raise my prayers oh Father and intercede for a particular couple who wish to reunite so that You will strengthen the bond between themselves, among each other and also with You, because there can exist no unity in marriage if You are not present.
22. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 22)
In order to imagine such as situation please click on the following link:-
The calling of the apostles
Although Zebedee ended up short of staff and may have had to employ new fishermen I imagine that later on he was proud to have his sons follow in the ways of Jesus. Lets all give thanks to God for those parents who are given the gift of generosity to let their sons and daughters leave their homes in order to dedicate their lives in the service of God. In this spirit of thanks giving please join me in the following prayer for vocations
Prayer for vocations
God calls us in different ways, but He calls. When I was looking for the prayer for vocations God gave me the following vocation stories that I would like to share with you;-
Vocation Stories
Conversion from an atheist to a Christian
23. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.
(Mathew chapter 4 verse 23)
The good news of Jesus brings healing to the soul and even to the body. As based on my personal experience oh God my father I used to suffer from a chronic condition called 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome' which causes very painful cramps in the intestines. I went to many doctors with the hope of finding a cure for this syndrome however the offered solutions were of almost no help whatsoever. In fact apart from one doctor who told me not to eat wheat products or drink products containing lactose the other doctors were of no help at all.
At long last I consulted the one and only healer that is You my God. You inspired me to start praying and meditating on Your word and even inspired me to pray for the healing of my body soul and spirit during the consecration of the simple offerings of bread and wine. The more I placed my faith and trust in You and Your Holy Word, the more the process of my healing started to unfold. Today I can consider myself as being totally healed. I am still living in the same stress related variables, however the consequences are of no harm to my body soul and spirit.
24. So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all the sick, those who were afflicted with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, and paralytics, and he cured them.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 24)
The fame of Jesus spread far and wide because of the acts of healing that He was performing. The people placed Jesus in the spotlight. However on reflecting oh God You are humble and never had the aim of becoming a popular public figure in mind. You were aware and are still aware that those people who were making you popular would one day, utter the call 'Crucify Him we ant Barabbas', however You still did not deny them Your healing grace and power.
Although You know what we are made of You do not condemn us. You are kind loving and merciful even though we are unfaithful to you. You are our healer. In a spirit of praise and worship let us give praise and sing with the following song Jesus you are the LORD my healer.
I am the God that heals You
25. And great crowds followed him from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.
(Matthew chapter 4 verse 25)
Many people from different places followed Jesus and His Word. From many different places in the world many people are following this blog. I thank You God for all the people who are currently following this blog which is based on Your Word. I thank You also for those people who do not comment on this blog, they are still part of this great family of the body of Jesus Christ. In order to have an idea about how many people and from which countries this blog is being viewed place refer to the following exhibit that is copied from the statistics of this blog. I thank You God for each and every person who has visited this blog. May we all benefit from the fruit of the Holy Spirit. May Your word not return to You oh God before it has left its beneficial graces and inspiration and most of all bringing faith to all who receive it.
I would like to end this chapter with a prayer that has been donated to us by Mary Geveetha a regular follower and contributor of this blog to whom I am very greatfull
Almighty Father,
It is evident that even Your beloved Son, was not free from Satan, his temptations and his, evil pursuit and constant attempts, to turn Your Son against You. However once baptised and thus, filled with Your Divine Holy Spirit our Lord Jesus Christ strongly but gently, rebuked Satan, and never allowed or accepted, the offers of great privileges, power and fame to come before honouring You as Father and God.
We pray to live according to Your Word. As it is s written that we shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of You our God. We call upon You Lord Jesus to guard us through the Holy Spirit. We know the evil one is so subtle, spiteful and daring. Help us we pray, not to be off our guard as he watches our every step. Help us watch, out for he is able to tempt even people who are holy such as yourself let alone wretched sinners such as us. Satan is able to tempt people of all classes and stature with the negative drives of pride, presumption and vain glory.
Oh God my father, may we always stand strong armed with Your full armour of the Your Holy Spirit. May we be protected from sweet deceit and the lure of all worldly advancement, adding pleasure that is not of You our God.
Oh God my father, may we always stand strong armed with Your full armour of the Your Holy Spirit. May we be protected from sweet deceit and the lure of all worldly advancement, adding pleasure that is not of You our God.
Grant us Lord the gift of the Holy Spirit may You dwell in our body, mind and soul so much that we may be alert, quick and firm in resisting Satan's temptation. May we never seek the glory of the world by sneaking away from our call for a righteous living and duty and forfeit Your protection.
We pray to lead a life holy and pleasing in Your sight, where You Lord Jesus are always welcome in our hearts and home, as we walk in Your light and guidance. May Your word always be a lamp unto our feet, guiding us forever in the path of truth and light conquering sin and temptation and bringing us repentance and reconciliation both with ourselves, You and others.
May we always remember that You Lord call on the humble, gentle and the lowly for Your handiwork and to be 'fishers of men'. May we understand and pray to be ready in Your calling, full of faith and diligence, with the simplicity of heart, by just saying yes to your call and let nothing hinder our move to follow Your will and take up our cross.
As we offer our lives to You, chose us Lord to become Your witnesses. May Your grace and healing powers work through each of us, as You come in aid to all those who call upon You in their sickness and sin.
We earnestly pray to become Your light to one who's lost and in sin, to bring Your healing powers to the sick and Your power of deliverance to one tormented by evil captivation.
We pray in the blessed name of Jesus, Amen!
