INTERESTING FACTS : Noah Webster, American lexicographer known for his American Spelling Book (1783) and his American Dictionary of the English Language, 2 vol. (1828; 2nd ed., 1840). Webster was instrumental in giving American English a dignity and vitality of its own. Both his speller and dictionary reflected his principle that spelling, grammar, and usage should be based upon the living, spoken language rather than on artificial rules. He also made useful contributions as a teacher, grammarian, journalist, essayist, lecturer, and lobbyist.[1]

 

"In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate - look to his character. . . . When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor, he betrays the interest of his country."[2]

 

Daily Reading : MATTHEW 11 - 12

 

TEXT : Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest    

 

unto your souls. Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

THEME : Rest

 

Matthew 11 

 

Christ, having finished his instructions to his disciples, departs to preach in different cities, Mat_11:1. John sends two of his disciples to him to inquire whether he were the Christ, Mat_11:2-6. Christ's testimony concerning John, Mat_11:7-15. He upbraids the Jews with their capriciousness, Mat_11:16-19. The condemnation of Chorazin, and Bethsaida, and Capernaum, for their unbelief and impenitence, Mat_11:20-24. Praises the Divine wisdom for revealing the Gospel to the simple-hearted, Mat_11:25, Mat_11:26. Shows that none can know God but by the revelation of his Son, Mat_11:27. Invites the distressed to come unto him, and gives them the promise of rest for their souls, Mat_11:29-30. [Adam Clarke] [3]

 

In this chapter we have,  I. The constant and unwearied diligence of our Lord Jesus in his great work of preaching the gospel (Mat_11:1).  II. His discourse with the disciples of John concerning his being the Messiah (Mat_11:2-6).  III. The honourable testimony that Christ bore to John Baptist (Mat_11:7-15).  IV. The sad account he gives of that generation in general, and of some particular places with reference to the success, both of John's ministry and of his own (v. 16-24).  V. His thanksgiving to his Father for the wise and gracious method he had taken in revealing the great mysteries of the gospel (v. 25, 26).  VI. His gracious call and invitation of poor sinners to come to him, and to be ruled, and taught, and saved by him (v. 27-30). No Where have we more of the terror of gospel woes for warning to us, or of the sweetness of gospel grace for encouragement to us, than in this chapter, which sets before us life and death, the blessing and the curse. [Matthew Henry][4]

 

Matthew 12 

 

Jesus and his disciples go through the cornfields on the Sabbath, and the latter pluck and eat some of the ears, at which the Pharisees take offense, Mat_12:1, Mat_12:2. Our Lord vindicates them, Mat_12:3-8. The man with the withered hand cured, Mat_12:9-13. The Pharisees seek his destruction, Mat_12:14. He heals the multitudes, and fulfils certain prophecies, Mat_12:15-21. Heals the blind and dumb demoniac, Mat_12:22, Mat_12:23. The malice of the Pharisees reproved by our Lord, Mat_12:24-30. The sin against the Holy Ghost, Mat_12:31, Mat_12:32. Good and bad trees known by their fruits-evil and good men by their conduct, Mat_12:33-37. Jonah, a sign of Christ's death and resurrection, Mat_12:38-40. The men of Nineveh and the queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment against the Jews, Mat_12:41, Mat_12:42. Of the unclean spirit, Mat_12:43-45. Christ's mother and brethren seek him, Mat_12:46-50. [Adam Clarke][3]

 

In this chapter, we have,  I. Christ's clearing of the law of the fourth commandment concerning the sabbath-day, and vindicating it from some superstitious notions advanced by the Jewish teachers; showing that works of necessity and mercy are to be done on that day (Mat_12:1-13).  II. The prudence, humility, and self-denial of our Lord Jesus in working his miracles (Mat_12:14-21).  III. Christ's answer to the blasphemous cavils and calumnies of the scribes and Pharisees, who imputed his casting out devils to a compact with the devil (v. 22-37).  IV. Christ's reply to a tempting demand of the scribes and Pharisees, challenging him to show them a sign from heaven (Mat_12:38-45).  V. Christ's judgment about his kindred and relations (Mat_12:46-50). [Matthew Henry][4]

 

TRUTH FOR TODAY : "JESUS WILL NEVER WEARY YOU!"

 

Jesus will never weary you.  In the Gospel according to Matthew Jesus gives you tremendous encouragement.  He tells you if you are burdened, depressed, anxious, or anything else that has to do with the mind or soul being overwhelmed - you can come to Him.  This is a great promise offered by the LORD.

 

Today, there are so many things to worry about.  You know how difficult it is to live in these times.  Yet, the LORD is still there, you can go to Him.  You can go to Him anytime with anything.  He is always there.  Further, He will never disappoint you.  The Bible says - those who come to him will never be ashamed and will never be disappointed.  Therefore, you can bring to Him all of your troubles and all of your problems.  He is not only the great God; He is also the compassionate and sympathetic God.  The Holy Scriptures state - Jesus was tempted in the all points like as you are yet, without sin.  Jesus is the Great High Priest.  He is always before the Father making intercession for you. He is always prying for you. Therefore, you can confidently expect - you will overcome.

 

In the Old Testament, God asks Israel how He has wearied them. 

 

Mic_6:3  O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

 

You know the LORD would never fatigue anyone.  Still, Israel had disobeyed God and He, the LORD, was using a catchphrase, a deliberate twist of logic to get their attention.  It is ridiculous to entertain the notion the Lord could, or would make anyone tired.  This is something you do to yourself.  This is a fact - people wear themselves out.  It is never the doing of God.  Yet, some think the LORD has made their life difficult, burdensome, and heavy.  The rational individual with an intelligent and discriminating mind knows better.  It is you who weary yourself.  This is an unpleasant fact.  Yet, it is true nonetheless.

 

Therefore, start to look to the Word of God. Study it diligently and it will make you wise unto salvation.  You will avoid many pitfalls, deep gulfs of sorrow that others cannot know as you do. Many professing Christians do not understand the Bible is written that they may be wise.  This is regrettable since the Holy Scriptures has much to say on many subjects.  How unfortunate, that so many Christians do not know this reality. Do not be one of those who are ignorant of God's wisdom and power. Take His yoke...and learn! You will never regret you did!

 

Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.