Looking Back and Forward from Matthew 14

This past Sunday (09/20) I preached from Matthew 14:1-12. First of all, I was informed that I gave the reference for the parallel text. So, let me correct that for any confusion I caused. The parallel text is Mark 6:14-29. Thankfully, several of you said that after I sent you on a wild goose chase looking for the text you just looked at your footnote at the bottom of the page and you went right to it! Anyway...as my wife told me...it is a great reminder that God uses ordinary preachers that mix things up and still brings forth His purposed through preaching! I am very thankful for such a reminder and the reality that the power is in the Word and not the preacher! Anyway, I pray that this week you have been trying to get yourself in dangerous situations. I pray that you have had some bold conversations as you go about your day. I was reflecting on some statistics I heard from the SBC this past June. The reality is that women are committing their lives to mission work at a substantially higher rate than men. Let me first say, that I am thankful for these faithful women and their committment to the Lord. I pray they will be very fruitful in their ministry. My concern is, what is going on with us men? Why have we not held up a faith for our boys and young men to see that they are ready to take hold of boldly? I fear, it is because we live more like Herod many days than John the Baptist (Matthew 14;1-12). This must change! We (men) must repent and be thankful to the God of the universe that He has called us into service for Him and be bold for His kingdom. This Sunday, I will preach Matthew 14:22-33. This is the passage that Jesus walks on the water and calls Peter out to Himself. Read this passage daily and reflect upon it deeply. Ask God to prepare your heart and teach you from this passage. A couple of quick points to consider: First, is there any comedy here in this scene? I think there is, I hope to explain Sunday morning. Secondly, Jesus sent them away from the feeding of the 5,000 for a couple of reasons. He wanted to pray and he wanted them to reflect upon what they just experienced. Both parties were interrupted because of a lack of faith. Not on Jesus' part, but on the disciples. We will consider how we do the same. Finally, we see how sin has such a grip that it can even cause the cosmos itself to cause us to doubt in our faith. Thankfully, it is He that holds us and not us that holds us! I look forward to Sunday and pray you will come ready and expectant. Blessings, Bro. Matt