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I'd be honored if allowed to take part in this study. I am already on a daily bible reading plan, but I'm not doing Matthew yet. I will just add this to my daily reading.
What Matthew Ch 1 meant to me ...
If we rely on God and seek Him and seek to do His will, God can take what appears to us to be unfortunate happenings in our lives and turns them for good.
Joseph, a righteous man, believed Mary to have committed adultry. This surely was an unfortunate thing to have happened from his point of view, before the vision. Joseph, in obedience to God's instruction, followed God and not his own way. However, God used that seemingly bad circumstance to work for good, for His plan.
I see there is a connection being made between the old and new testament again. Also, prophecies being fulfilled and divine protection as Joeseph listened to the angel in his dream. This reminds me how important it is to listen to the Lord in these last days before His return.
It's been a bit of a hectic morning, but what stands out to me right off was the fact that the "priests and teachers of the law" were able to easily tell Herod where the Messiah would be born, but they turned a blind eye to that which I'm sure was obvious in scripture that Jesus fulfilled. Matt 2: 4-6
And also reminded me that not ALL the "religous leaders" in Jesus time denied who he was. I'm sure many understood that certain things needed to come to pass and watched with anticipation and a heavy heart.
The other thing that I hadn't seen before was Egypt being used as a "earth/world figure" again as it is throughout all scripture. Egypt I see always being symbolic to this world. (I.E. we are enslaved in this world, but will eventually be delivered, and here in Matt 2:13-15)
What stands out to me Again..is that Joseph had enough faith, to follow what came to him in his dreams. And not just Joseph but the wise men as well. Truly amazing.
It was estimated that Jesus was around two years of age before the magi got there...so they possibly were able to find a home to live in? Build one? Something?
I was impressed again with Joseph's connection with God and willingness to follow.. also the faith of the wise men to venture out. I wonder.. why did they go to Jerusalem? Did they, like us, let human reasoning get in the way for a bit (naturally... a king would be born in Jerusalem!)... and so get off the track, but then when they looked up again, they saw the star?
It says that when they saw the star again, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. I can take a lesson from that.. when I've been off the track, how joyful am I when God wants to lead me back?
Another point that struck me was the grief, pain, and other consequences that come upon mankind when Christ is rejected... e.g. Herod slaying the children 2 and under. Christ came to bring peace to men...
There is so much in this chapter. There are so many ties to the Old Testament...to God's Word showing He had a plan and brought (and is still bringing) it to fruition.
As a mother, it is hard to read about Herod ordering all boys 2 and under to be killed. All of those mothers...it is horrifying to think about. Rachel weeping for her children...
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Love. 
chapter 2
