Hull Vineyard Church

30 for 30

Day Eighteen

Stop

Give us today our daily bread. God is your provider. He is your portion. If you have Him, you have everything you need. He alone satisfies. His grace is sufficient for us. This morning, welcome the presence of the Lord and invite Him to feed your soul as you spend time with Him.

Look

Read Matthew 17. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. You may want to make notes, underline in your bible or journal all that God is saying.

Thought of the day

Matthew 17:5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Matthew 17 involves one of the wildest and most significant moments in the story of Jesus – the transfiguration. Atop a mountain (itself coming with huge significance), alongside Moses and Elijah (who themselves had history-shaping encounters with God up a mountain), the full identity and glory of Jesus is revealed.

Notice again the words of the Father speaking over Jesus – these words echoing the words spoken at Jesus’ baptism. Now Jesus is well into His ministry – and God’s love for Him and affection remain unchanged.

But this passage marks an interesting shift in Jesus ministry. Did you notice the one small difference between these words of the Father and the words at Jesus’ baptism?

The Father says: ‘listen to Him.’

Jesus’ baptism marked a beginning of the first half of His mission – to announce, establish and demonstrate the coming Kingdom of God and invite people to change their thinking and join in this new life.

Jesus’ transfiguration marks a beginning of the second half of Jesus’ mission – His journey to the cross.

We begin to see as we move through Matthew Jesus talking more and more about His death.

In just the chapter before Jesus prophesies His death – and Peter rebukes Him. In this chapter Jesus talks about His death again – and it greatly distresses the disciples.

But they must listen to Jesus.

As Jesus begins the road to the cross – that historic moment when heaven and earth met in blood and glory – we must come back again to this truth – Jesus went to the cross for you, and for me. We sent Jesus to the cross. He went to pay the price for our sin, so that in Him, we might be made the righteousness of God.

What a glorious truth.

May the cross of Christ never lose its power or profundity.

Pray

Today we’re praying for Revival. Pray for a powerful move of God through the nations. For 1000s to come to faith. For us to see our nations changed and an increase in salvation.

Live

James 5:16 says: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

In the light of our passage today, ask the Lord to recall anything you need to confess. Chat to a leader, friend or accountability partner and share this with them, pray for each other and receive healing afresh.