 |
|
|
February 10, 2008
Sweetness and Light
by Pastor Tom Colburn
A guy came up to Jesus and asked him a question, testing him. He said, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And Jesus answered him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it. 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF" (Matthew 22:37-39).
The practical application is encapsulated in the so-called "Golden Rule," spoken by Jesus and recorded by Matthew in chapter 7 and verse 12. "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the law and the prophets."
What did Jesus mean by "for this is the law and the prophets?" Jesus' thought here was actually an echo of Old Testament teaching. This essential concept is expressed in both Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It is the essence behind both the Law of God and the teaching of the prophets. It is the seed from which blooms love. Follow this Golden Rule and you will be in keeping with the law automatically, and in compliance with the prophets' words.
Jesus admonished us to love our enemies and those who despitefully use us. But why would we want to "love" some thorn in the side who was trying to hurt us? Certainly in Old Testament times we read aplenty words of sweet revenge for the doer of evil. Can't we hold that thought, Jesus?
His answer is an emphatic "No!" We must love our enemies, But this isn't as bad or as difficult as we might first imagine. Could it be that Jesus has asked us to do something that not only helps others and pleases God, but that also benefits us?
Let us ask ourselves, have we ever accidentally or intentionally done somebody wrong? Has every day of our lives been sweetness and light bringing smiles to the faces of all we meet?
Or have we once or twice angered another person? Has something we've said or done soured someone else's mood --ever? Is it conceivable that someone, sometime in our past might have asked God to rain fire and brimstone down upon our head?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Those words really bring it into perspective don't they? Especially when we think about some of the not-so-bright moments in our lives. And we've all had them.
"For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for a good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:7-8).
God allowed His only begotten son to suffer and die at the hands of evil people so Jesus' love for God and man would be perfected, a flawless example set, and a road paved to salvation, in which Christ will reign as King.
God loves even those who ignore Him and blaspheme Him that much. Jesus loves those who disrespected and killed him that much. You and I too, even in our imperfection can strive also to love that much.
There is a story in Jewish oral tradition that is told of Abraham. One day Abraham invited a beggar to enter his tent and eat with him. It was a good Samaritan gesture, a love your neighbor type thing well before it's time.
So the two sat down and Abraham began offering the blessing, when all of sudden the beggar began cursing God, accusing Him of causing his poverty and misery. He went on and on with his irreverence.
Naturally, Abraham was offended and irate. He immediately threw the man out of his tent and back into the streets. But then, later that night when Abraham said his prayers, God said this to him. "Abraham, that man has cursed me for fifty years and yet I have given him food to eat every day. Couldn't you put up with him for at least one meal?"
In our patience possess we our souls, the Bible says. Do unto others as we would have them do to us. We never know what God has in store, but we do know our mission.
Our mission is to reach out to others who need God, but dont' know Him, to citizens without a king, to the hungry and thirsty who need the water and bread of life. And the world is filled with such people. But if we judge people only by their flaws, then we will judge all the world the same. All will be enemies, all will remain lost.
Whenever I talk about this subject I always qualify it and for good reason. Our adversary the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We are told and should not forget that "bad company corrupts good morals." And that we need to "resist the devil and his minions and they will flee from us."
I like to point out that Jesus didn't hang and otherwise hobnob with the Pharisees, They bumped heads from time to time, however. Loving our enemies does not mean lying down with them, or otherwise putting ourselves at unnecessary risk spiritually, morally or physically. Jesus never did that, nor did he advocate it.
But we shouldn't write off even our arch enemies. Because God loves them too. God never gives up on any of us so long as we have breath. We read how Jesus came to that great persecutor of Christians, the Pharisee Saul on the road to Damascus and transformed him to the Apostle Paul. God saves those who truly love Him.
So in the wake of Valentines Day, as you live your Christisn life, whether you're smothering the love or your life with flowers and kisses, enjoying a great meal with your kids, or simply enjoying life by yourself, reflect upon the greatest commandments as told by Jesus.
"YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' This is the great and foremost commandment, The second is like it. 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
Reflect, take care and God bless.
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
