The Spirit Speaking Through You

Introduction

Matthew is the first book of the New Testament. The book starts with a genealogy that lists all the prominent persons of the Old Testament linking them all to our main character in the book of Matthew. The main character is Jesus. Jesus is being upheld as the Messiah and the fulfilment of God’s promise. Matthew then sets the scene for why the actions and the words of Jesus are important. Today we will hear some of the Words of Jesus and we will try to make sense of one aspect of his teaching. But first, let us approach God in Worship.

Start of Sermon

There are different layers in our reading. The first layer is a clear warning to be aware of persecution. As we move deeper, Jesus advises not to be anxious when persecution is in full force. In the narrative, we are encountering a profound spiritual reason why we should not be anxious. The spiritual significance is that what needs to be said in times of distress will be provided by the Spirit of our Father in heaven. This is the one part of the reading that I would like to stop at so to ponder. What this reading is making us aware of is during times of tension there is more at stake than our own anxieties. In times of conflict, Jesus is making us conscious of the Spiritual dimension of conflict. My initial when I first read this was very practical. The first question was how it works when the Spirit speaks through me especially if you are entangled with stress and concern. However, my reflections later moved away from the practical and more to the fundamental point which is a deep spiritual Trust in God during times of chaos. Trust in God in times of need.

“When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

The instruction of Jesus is to trust in the heavens when all hell breaks loose here on Earth. And those who endure to the end they will be saved. As we turn the layers to move even deeper into our reading, Jesus again states not to fear. Once again reemphasising the trust in God and His Spirit with us.

I had a bad experience a couple of years ago.