Dear Editor,
Hurricane Matthew was an announcement to Jamaica that the New Testament days have begun. Anyone who has an ear to hear, let him hear!
Why was the hurricane named Matthew? Why not Martin, Michael, Milton, or even Moses? Only God knows, but the biblical meaning of the name Matthew is ‘gift of Yahweh’ [God].
The New Testament was enacted by the birth of Jesus, after a long period where Israel was not hearing from God. The book of Matthew, one of the synoptic gospels, appropriately delineates the history of Jesus from Abraham, announces the birth of Christ, records aspects of his life and ministry, prepares for his crucifixion, and concludes with Christ’s resurrection and the great commission to all who believe.
Since Matthew was a gift and not a threat to us, what is it saying? It is time for us to repent and turn to God. That is the invitation in the great commission.
In some way, the hurricane is similar to God’s parting of the Red Sea so that Israel went safely through to the other side. Jamaica, Jamaica, please accept the grace of God for what it is — deliverance from certain death, devastation, and a chance to repent. It is not that we got away, for God has a record of our sins. He who has an ear to hear, let him hear [for some have itching ears].
Ouida Williams
Gideon300trailblazer@gmail.com
Hurricane Matthew was an announcement to Jamaica that the New Testament days have begun. Anyone who has an ear to hear, let him hear!
Why was the hurricane named Matthew? Why not Martin, Michael, Milton, or even Moses? Only God knows, but the biblical meaning of the name Matthew is ‘gift of Yahweh’ [God].
The New Testament was enacted by the birth of Jesus, after a long period where Israel was not hearing from God. The book of Matthew, one of the synoptic gospels, appropriately delineates the history of Jesus from Abraham, announces the birth of Christ, records aspects of his life and ministry, prepares for his crucifixion, and concludes with Christ’s resurrection and the great commission to all who believe.
Since Matthew was a gift and not a threat to us, what is it saying? It is time for us to repent and turn to God. That is the invitation in the great commission.
In some way, the hurricane is similar to God’s parting of the Red Sea so that Israel went safely through to the other side. Jamaica, Jamaica, please accept the grace of God for what it is — deliverance from certain death, devastation, and a chance to repent. It is not that we got away, for God has a record of our sins. He who has an ear to hear, let him hear [for some have itching ears].
Ouida Williams
Gideon300trailblazer@gmail.com