Matthew 6 - 7.31.24

Scripture

Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Observation

This chapter is full of so much wisdom and instruction: the Lord’s Prayer, warnings about serving God with the right intentions, warnings about the love of money, and admonitions that worrying shows a lack of faith. But as I read the chapter over a number of times, I realized that the focus was ultimately on one thing – putting God first.

Application

Matthew 22:37-38

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the FIRST and greatest commandment.

Matthew 6:9-10

9  “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10  your kingdom come,

your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.”

The FIRST thing we should pray is for His will to be done – in all things. We learned on Sunday that the tithe is the FIRST of our income. If we are putting God FIRST, we won’t be tempted to perform in our serving, our giving, our fasting, our prayers because it is for Him rather than for us.

Jesus says if we put our focus and priority on Him, He will meet our needs.

We are to make God’s sovereign rule, and a right relationship with Him, the highest priority in life. Worry is inconsistent with this priority; it doubts the sovereignty or goodness of God and distracts from the true goals of life. God will meet all the needs of those who risk all for Him. ESV Reformation Study Bible

Prayer

Lord, thank you for this reminder today that my ONE job is to put my focus on You. You promise to guide me and direct me and make my paths straight when I follow You. You promise to love me and provide for me. Help me to remember to stand upon Your promises and focus my eyes on You in good times and in bad.

- Debbie Dunn