A Thought a Day...
Saturday, March 20, 2004
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Matthew 5:17
These words must have seemed strange to those that heard them. Christ was a rebel in his time, or so most people thought. He didn't do things the way they had always done them in the past. He didn't do them in the way that people expected. In their eyes, He even broke the law. He sure didn't obey the "blue" laws of His time. He would heal on the Sabbath, allow His disciples to walk through the fields and pick grain that they would eat, He might have even (gasp) traveled more than a mile on the Sabbath. Yet, Christ was perfect.
Christ says in this passage that His purpose was not to break the law. Boy, I wish I could say that. Unfortunately, I break the law all the time. The concrete laws... the ones that say you should only go 25 mph in a motor vehicle. The laws of the land. I break God's laws. I've been known to really want what other people have. I've lusted... I've lied. It seems like I have problems living according to the laws of God and the Land on a daily basis.
In a few verses, we are going to find out that God's intent was even more stringent than was the law of the land... the law of the land dealt with man's behavior... not his heart. Man has a compulsion to take a concept, then put all sorts of rules around it to be able to judge our behavior against it. Most Christians could point to the Supreme Courts rulings in the 60's about separation of Church and State and how that has gotten so warped as an example. Most people today refer to the man-made rules that further define what God intended for us as "Religion". I really rebel against those rules... always have. But if you were to ask my parents, I've always had a problem with authority.
Christ said he came to fulfill the law. That was His purpose for coming here... and that's pretty awesome. The law says that someone had to die if they rebelled against God's authority. Well, that's me... the rebel. Hard to believe, I know! Sounds like a plot out of a B movie, doesn't it. But it's the way it is. Christ came to earth to live according to the law. To quote Kipling, "You're a better man that I...."
Father, I rebel against your wishes all the time. What you ask me to do, I don't... and as a result I'm held in bondage by the evil one... awaiting execution at dawn. It's time to call in the special forces. And you sent in the best... the only one who could rescue me. Thank you for sending your Son to rescue me. Now, let me act like I appreciate it.
Friday, March 19, 2004
"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:15,16.
My favorite souvenir from the Holy Land is a small, clay lamp from the Roman era. It's no bigger than my hand and was the type of lamp that would have been used in Jesus' day. It would be very easy to put under a bowl. Yet this same lamp when lit could light a room well enough to keep me from banging my shin on a piece of furniture.
I love science and technology. My Dad is fond of saying that I'm the only ordained minister he knows that can fail Old Testament Prophets and get an A+ in Earth Science. Actually, I thought I was signing up for a Rock Festival. But to the point... Years ago I started hearing about lasers... powerful lasers. They were the "death ray" that had finally been built... just like in the comic books. A machine so powerful that even the thickest steel could not stand up to its powerful stream of energy. A beam so powerful that it could be bounced off the moon and seen here on earth. Lasers are now being used for many things: it can be so powerful that it can melt rock or metal, or so finely controlled that it can be used to shape the cornea of an eye. It is used as a tool for measuring: surveyors, Law Enforcement, Mechanical Engineers all have uses for the laser. Who could think of being without their tunes? The CD player is made possible by a laser beam.
But what is a laser? It is nothing more than focused light! Light waves that instead of vibrating in any direction now are lined up to vibrate in only one direction. That is the secret to its power. Isn't that the way the church should be? For centuries we have done our own thing... vibrating in any direction we want. What if we could focus our energy... be so in sync that we become the most powerful force in the universe... not power for power's sake... but for the joy of being able to spend an eternity with people we love.
Christ said the purpose of showing our light is that men can see our good deeds. But more importantly, our good deeds will result in those around us responding to it by glorifying God. The bottom line is my daily living and actions are an evangelism tool. You know what? I can do that... if I can just get focused.
Father, so many times I'm just not focused. I'm too scattered to be able to effective. Too many times I'm not willing to just be out there for you. Convict me of my cowardly behavior. Focus my light that I can be a positive power in the world. Help others to see the work that I do... the life I live and let me be worthy of the task ahead. But more importantly, shine through me so that when others see my light, they will see you.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14
It was still dark out and I was standing in the courtyard, camera in hand the one of the first mornings our group was in Israel. I wanted to get some pictures of the sunrise and the sea of Galilee. Besides, my body clock had not yet begun operating on Israeli time. From the northern shore where I was standing, you could see the lights of Tiberius across the "sea". To the west, I could see the hill where the Sermon On the Mount was delivered. A little further northwest, there was a bright spot of reflection in the gray haze of the dawn.
I started taking pictures of this beautiful panorama and as the light became stronger I realized that reflection I had first spotted was a small town located atop the hill. It could have existed during the time of Christ. I could see in my mind's eye, Christ reaching out with his left arm as He spoke and pointing to that little town... "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid". This wasn't a metaphor... this was an object lesson.
Jacksonville, FL is going to host the Superbowl next year. We have spent millions of dollars on improving the way our city will look to people who will only see our town for one day. Of course, the phrase "whited sepulcher" comes to mind... but I digress. If my town is so conscious of their image that they are willing to spend whatever it takes to make a lasting impression with those who will visit for only a short time... how much more should I be willing to clean up my life so that I have a positive influence on those with whom I come in contact.
Lord, I still see that city on the hill in my memories today... long after I first came in contact with it. Let people see in my life see in me, that which you would want them to see. Allow your Spirit to convict me of those things which make a slum in my city. Forgive me of my shortcomings. Allow me to be a shining example for You.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:13
I love salt, but only on one type of food... Potatoes: french fries or hash browns specifically. Most of the time I never think much about salt. Salt is important. It is a source of sodium... that's important to the Na/K pump in our bodies... a muscle couldn't work without sodium. Iodized salt helps to reduce the incidents of goiters.
It doesn't take much salt to go far. Most recipes only call for a pinch or in portions of a teaspoon. But sometimes even a small amount is tough to get out of a shaker. Having to eat out a lot since I work on the road, there is nothing more frustrating than to shake the salt container and having it stick in the bottle. You can't tell whether it's really coming out... so you shake and taste... shake and taste... and finally give up.
I wonder how many times people have looked at me to add some flavor to their lives, but were disappointed because I didn't give them what they needed and desired? How many times have I looked good in the bottle, but then failed in the discharge of my duties? How many times did I not provide the essence of what was required to those around me. The indictment is pretty severe... I'm not good for much except to be thrown out on the street to be stomped on.
Thank Goodness for grace.
Father, this morning I am reminded that I am to change the world in which I have contact. That in everything I do, everywhere I go that I am to leave the taste of Christ in the mouths of those with whom I have contact. Father, forgive me for those times when I've chosen to remain safe in my shell. Help me to see the results of not being an influence in the world... the souls that are lost and facing judgment because of my fear. Thank you for sending your Son who was not afraid to be our example every moment of His life. Help me to be bold today... help me leave the taste of you in the mouths of those around me.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Matthew 5:1-12
Brother Scott commented the other day asking what if the beatitudes (see, I've resisted making them the Be-Attitudes) were building blocks. It's an interesting question and one that has been in the back of my mind for several days.
One of my favorite scriptures is 2 Peter 1:5-7, "Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love." In this passage the word for add is like the singing of a round. You know, the row-row-row your boat kind of round? One part starts and the second part joins in, part after part until there is a cacophony of sound filling the air. So, this is pretty easy to answer if Scott's question was asked. Another passage that fits is the listing of the fruit of the Spirit. But what of the beatitudes?
I have more questions that I have answers about whether the attributes of the believer in Matthew 5: 1-12 are in this same genre. Some of the verses seem to be a result of what happens to the believer by circumstances or at the hands of non-believers... At least when it comes to persecution... Or is it?
Pursuing this line of thought, we start by becoming poor in spirit: realizing that we are nothing on our own. We mourn our sins and the consequences of them. We gain strength through our quiet relationship with Christ which leads us to hunger and thirst more for the things of God. As we realize the mercy of God, we become more merciful to others. As we strive to become more Christ-like, we become more pure through the cleansing of the blood and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. As a result of our walk, we become the peacemakers... And we may even be called upon to give our lives for Him as He gave his life for us.
As we go through that progressive walk, the rewards become even more wonderful. We are promised the Kingdom of Heaven; we are comforted; we will inherit the earth; we are sated in our thirst for knowledge; we will see God; we are adopted into the family of the Eternal and most of all we are happy and blessed.
I don't think this is good exegesis... But I know one thing... I need more of it all!
Father, when I look at my life in the view of your expectations, I know that I fall miserably short. I don't posses, in the natural, the characteristics that you are listing here. I need you more. I need you more... Right now. I need less of me. Take my life, mold it the way you see fit. Make me an example of the person you want me to be to the world. Above all, make me a "happy" follower of you.
Monday, March 15, 2004
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Matthew 5:10-12
I didn't intend to neglect my study from Friday to Sunday... I was travelling... dealing with a car whose transmission has decided to not work anymore... and then trying to deal with networking issues at the house...visiting a sick friend... "relationship building" with a couple from the church (We went to see Cold Mountain). I wonder if when I neglect you for things of the world, if that's a form of persecuting you.
I know one thing... I don't like being ignored. I've done that to you. Another thing I don't like is to be criticized for my beliefs... after all... we are a free country. Christians are becoming a minority in our country... at least it seems that way... and I don't like it.
These words of Christ were spoken to a group of people that if they chose to follow after Jesus, had to be willing to give up everything. The family of a Christian might even go as far as to hold a funeral service for the convert indicating they were dead to them. They would probably be shunned in business. They were hunted down, captured, imprisoned, beaten, maimed and sometimes killed for their beliefs. Jews and Romans alike sought to kill them. And the Lord says we are blessed or happy when we are persecuted. I don't think so. I don't like pain. I don't like ridicule. I don't like humiliation. I've been been falsely accused before... it's not fun.
In sociology I remembered a concept called "deferred gratification". Basically it means I'll put up with a little now to get a lot later. I have read there are thousands of people martyred every year for the cause of Christ. I took a break from writing to read some of the historical documents and information regarding the deaths of ancient and modern martyrs. I'm named for the first Christian to give his life for the cause. I'm humbled when I read these stories. The calm in face of certain death. The voices of praise when there is no strength remaining in the bodies. The love that confronts the hate.
Father, I'm so ashamed at my "wimpiness". I'd like to think I'm brave... but I'm not. I'd like to think that I'd face certain death bravely and unwaiveringly... but I don't know that. I'm living in a country where there is religious freedom. I can serve you, really, however I want! I can pray, I can write, I can sing, I can gather with my fellow Christians to worship. I don't have a clue when it comes to understanding persecution. My idea of persecution is having to deal with not being able to put a manger scene on the courthouse lawn. What would I do if I were REALLY persecuted. Lord, I'm so blessed. Let me be strong in the face of opposition. Let me be compassionate to those who are truly being persecuted.
