Matthew

In June of 2012, I went to Italy to visit my dad. He had a home in Casoli, Province of Chieti, in the region of Abruzzo. I flew into Rome where Dad picked me up and then we drove a little over three hours to his home on the east coast. From his terrace of his home, near the castle of Casoli, you can see the Adriatic Sea. Behind him, you can see white, snow-capped mountains. Below his home, all across the hills and valleys, were rows of olive groves. 

I didn’t spend time in Rome until closer to time to fly home. Then we spent 3 days there. Dad and I walked a lot. Historical ruins were mixed in-between the restaurants and shops. Many of the ruins were marked off with yellow caution tape to prevent injury, further damage, and theft.

Dad’s wife flew in the second day and she and I went to the Coliseum and Sistine Chapel via taxi. I don’t want to take a taxi in Rome ever again. I almost dropped to my knees to kiss the ground with thankfulness that we made it to our destination. The taxi driver even asked me why I was crying. I said I’m just so glad we made it. He laughed. Then I did too. 

At the Coliseum, tears filled my eyes once again as I stared into the cold, quiet tunnels that once led Christians to their death. 

The Sistine Chapel is beautiful. I wish I could have taken photos but photography is not allowed. The gift shop, though, had postcards/photos of the magnificent artwork. I found this postcard and simply fell in love with it. I brought it home and framed it. This is of Matthew and the angel who was inspiring him on what to write in the Book of Matthew. 

With much controversy over whether the Bible is the inspired word of God, or simply man’s own writing, I found this painting to be of great comfort. 

Matthew is packed full of inspiring words and situations. I think one of the most powerful lesson found in this book is found in Matthew 14:27-31. 

Here see that Jesus walked on the water to reach the boat where the disciples had been battered by winds and waves. The disciples thought Jesus was a ghost. But Jesus sad, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Then Peter requested that Jesus command him to walk to him if it was really him. 

Jesus said, “Come.” 

As Peter started his walk to Jesus on the water, he began to fear, therefore; he began to sink.

Jesus took hold of Peter’s hand and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Three takeaways from this passage:

1. If Jesus tells us not to be afraid, we should not be scared. 
2. If Jesus tells us to come, we need to go. 
3. If Jesus tells us to trust him, we do not doubt. 

Our humanness makes us afraid, doubtful, and less eager to go where he sends us. 

Charlie Kirk was quite human, yet, he was not afraid or doubtful, nor was he ready to stay put. He was centered on Christ. No matter where your thoughts are concerning him, no one can say that Charlie was afraid, doubtful, or stagnant. Or, even self-centered. Yes, it cost him his life, but he was living what he was called to do. And he did it all with strength and dignity. He is an example for us. 

Where am I when it comes to being afraid, doubtful, or unwilling to move? Well, honestly…I am all the above. 

I believe Matthew 14:27-31 is inspired along with all the other passages in the Bible. Each writer’s personality shines through their writing, but that’s okay. God could have had one angel write out the Bible in its entirety, but he didn’t. He chose men to pen each book. This is what I believe. 

Time isn’t waiting for us to catch up or for the right moment. Time waits for no one. There is usually not a perfect time to work for Jesus. And I think Jesus might be keeping track of that. 

What does Jesus mean to us….really? What is he worth? If we only consider being available for his work when it fits our schedule, I think that’s a bright red flag and we should be afraid of that in my opinion.

♥️

Andi