God Wrote It and we need to Do It

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Matthew 1:17, ” So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ are fourteen generations. “

Background

My son is taking a middle school English class this year, and included in the weekly requirements are usually some grammar work and a bit of writing. Sometimes the writing is simply to use the grammar words in a sentence to show that he understands their meaning and how to use them. Other times he has had to write an original composition about one thing or another, and then there have been the assignments where he has written an essay about a piece of literature that he read. Each of these assignments have challenged him in different ways, but they all have one thing in common. His writing is at the level of a middle school student. That’s not surprising, given his age and experience. But it does bring with it certain traits and shortcomings. For example, when he is attempting to express the meaning of a word, his normal pattern is to merely restate the basic definition of the word, rather than use it in a context that fleshes out its fullest sense. And his paragraphs too often consist of the same thoughts reiterated without expounding on them or placing them in real world situations. Basically, he will write something, and then tell you what he wrote. But to his credit, he’s keeping good company. For that’s exactly what the Spirit led Matthew to do.

Application

Matthew listed out the generations of Christ from Abraham to His birth. And then he counted them for us and told us what they were. That’s pretty basic stuff. But it’s classic scripture to me. For in its simplicity I am reminded to remember the simple basics of God’s Word. Topical studies, theological lessons, and profound sermons notwithstanding, our walk with Christ is simply a relationship. There is love, authority, instruction, communication, giving and receiving. We need to remember this, and we need to remember and apply the simple basics. Seek Him first, put ourselves last, let go of this world, bring as many as possible into His world. He’s written it. We simply need to remember and do it.

Charge

As we seek Him today, let the basic, elemental truths of scripture fill your mind. Dwell on doing and being simply what He’s called you to do and be.