Friday November 25, 2022

Today is Friday, November 25 and this week we complete our study of the Sermon on the Mount.

As I enter this time of prayer, I still my body, quiet my mind and slow my breathing. I close my eyes and relax in the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, I long for You to speak into my life and circumstances. Give me ears to listen and eyes to see the good message You have for me today as I study the holy scriptures. Amen.

In the quiet of the morning, I rejoice in God’s presence and praise Him with the words of Psalm 25.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Pause and Pray

At the end of Matthew chapter seven, Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount, and the listening crowds are amazed at His teaching. Jesus teaches with authority. Jesus is the ultimate authority. Jesus is Emmanuel, the Son of God, and one with the Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus is the King of the Jews, the Lord of all, the Prince of Peace and the King of Heaven. Angels worship Him and stand ready to respond to His every command. Across the universe, knees bow, and tongues confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him and He holds the keys to eternity. The pressing question that remains – is Jesus the authority in my life?

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:28-29

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount. I imagine the gentle hillside goes hush, and the throng of people who have been intently listening exhale their captured breath. Alongside them, I have maintained the steady posture of leaning in, pressing to hear what He has to say, longing for Him to speak fresh words into my life. Jesus is finished speaking. The crowds are amazed at His teaching. So am I. His wisdom is unlike the wisdom of the world. It is not shallow as the empty words of earthly preachers, it is not void of meaning as fleeting secular ideology, it is not a compilation of fleeting random guidelines, but holds together for all eternity. Timeless wisdom.

Ask: Do I submit my life to the authority of Jesus Christ as Lord? Do I surrender my will to the will of God?

Pause and Pray

Jesus, You are Lord of my life. I submit to You as my ultimate authority. I am amazed at Your teaching in the Sermon on the Mount and recognize its simplicity, significance and transforming power. Help me to live as a true disciple, putting Your words into practice, honoring You and seeking to do God’s will in all things. I read Matthew again, listening for the message You have for me today.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law. Matthew 7:28-29

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider how the study of the Sermon on the Mount has changed my heart and transformed my mind. I reflect on the difference the words of Jesus have made in my life over the last three months. How might I more fully rely on the Holy Spirit to enable me to mature in faith, increase in love and grow in service? Where do I need to acknowledge the authority of Jesus in my life and circumstances? How might I increase in trust and faith?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, thank you for this journey through the Sermon on the Mount. Come and take Your place on the throne of my heart. You are my Loving Friend and also my Sovereign Lord. I place my complete trust in Your leadership of my life and guidance of my future. I endeavor to acknowledge Your authority and obey You in all things. Amen.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee. Mark 1:27-28

Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. Luke 4:31-32

I leave this time of prayer and go to live out the teachings of Christ, loving and serving others in His name.

Amen