Scripture: Matthew 5:19
Therefore, whoever ignores one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called the lowest in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps these commands and teaches people to keep them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Thought for the Day: Last night, I got together with about a dozen Cypress Creek folks to watch a documentary and enter into a conversation. One of the questions raised in our time together was simply, “Would Jesus even recognize what we call Christianity?” I find it to be both an interesting and challenging question. Just a few days ago, I was listening to someone on TV who suggested that the real problem in our country today is that we do not allow the 10 Commandments to be put in a prominent place to teach the morality of God. I believe the 10 Commandments are a central part of the Jewish story, and for that reason, they are central to our foundation. But in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus presents what he describes as the fulfillment of the law. In the above verse, he doesn’t give much wiggle room to those who are unwilling to follow the commands he sets forth in the sermon…commandments that include not only loving our neighbor, but also our enemy; praying for those who persecute us; turning the other cheek; never feeling anger toward another; never feeling lust… People are so quick to hold up the 10 Commandments because they don’t want anyone to hold them accountable to the Sermon on the Mount. Most of us can handle the 10 Commandments, but we do not wish to be confronted with the fact that Jesus might see us as “the lowest in the Kingdom of heaven” because we ignore some of the most challenging commands. I try to follow the 10 Commandments, but they are not the vision of life and community set forth by Jesus in his greatest sermon. I hate to say this, but I believe there are plenty of people today who are living a Christianity that Jesus would not recognize. They may know all the insider language, but their lives do not resemble the Sermon on the Mount. And if you are taking the name of Jesus, I would think it would be good to take seriously his most comprehensive teachings on life and communal living. Just my thoughts…
Prayer: Hello, God! I come to you this day asking for help in following the life and teachings of Jesus. It won’t be easy or comfortable or very pleasing to the culture around me. I ask for your help because I know without it there is no hope. Amen.
TOMORROW’S WORSHIP
On the Anniversary of Harvey
