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Matthew -
The Kingdom of Jesus

A Devotional Study in Matthew

Finding God's Will
the Way Jesus Did

Matthew 4:12-16

"When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali - to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:..."

The next two verses repeat a prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-2, which promised that this area which was in great spiritual darkness, would see a light dawning on them.

In going back to that passage in Isaiah and reading the verses before, I find that Israel had begun to consult mediums and listen to spiritists whisper and mutter. This is back in Isaiah's life time. He then said that if they consulted the dead rather than God's law and testimony their land would fall into great gloom and utter darkness. Did Jesus deliberately move there because of that prophecy?

I notice too (Matt. 4:12) that when John the Baptist was put in prison, and when Jesus heard of it, it seemed to be Jesus' cue to start his ministry. I get the impression that Jesus did not wander through His life with child-like serendipity, waiting to see what would befall Him next.

Did He have an advantage over the rest of us that is unfair? I mean seeing the future ahead of time? Since Jesus was fully human and we are to follow His example, are we to live in a similar pattern according to some rhyme and reason?

If Jesus was limited to finding these things out like we are, through studying God's Word, and through intimate prayer fellowship with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, then it follows that we can know what to do at the right times too. Assuming we really study the Bible, and spend precious intimate time with the Spirit of God, so we can hear and take direction.



PRAYER: Lord, today I want to take time out to study Your Word, and consult with Your Spirit about the next steps and activities of my life. Let's sort out Your plan for my life. I'd rather do that.

Jesus is my King!!

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. P.S. Ruthe is afraid to tell her family back home for reasons of her own, and this leads her to live a double life. The pressures build. Sooner or later she has to take some of the advice she gives others, for she's getting into serious trouble! Ruthe's Secret Roses.




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Ruth Marlene Friesen
Ruth Marlene Friesen
The Responsible One

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