A Devoted Life
Dear Readers,
Susan usually posts on Fridays, but is away in Orillia for a couple of days on training.
So, I share these brief thoughts:
2 Corinthians 5:15 (New International Version)
15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Lately it seems so clear that all that we are supposed to be, is an expression of God's love. It all seems suddenly so clear and simple.
Even in Matthew 9, which tells about Jesus visiting the home of Matthew the Tax Collector for dinner, he makes that point. Matthew would have been despised in the Jewish community for his service to the Romans and exploitation of his brothers. Jesus didn't try to hide his relationship with Matthew and furthermore, at his home he was suddenly surrounded by a crowd of similarly shady, fringe folks.
His disciples surely wondered about the road down which their leader was taking them. In response to their confused questions, he gave them some homework. He didn't tell them what to think (I love that,) but he did tell them to go away and do some thinking. He gave them six words to think about.
I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
Mercy, not sacrifice; relationship, not religion; love, not condemnation.
This is good news, not just for the world with which we rub shoulders, but for you and I, just as it was for the disciples, had they looked deeply into their own hearts. Perhaps Jesus hoped that if they pondered the six powerful words, they would see that it was they themselves that needed mercy as much as the "sinners" who were so drawn to Jesus.
So our lives should be devoted to this one thing. To love as he loved. All else will take care of itself.
Susan usually posts on Fridays, but is away in Orillia for a couple of days on training.
So, I share these brief thoughts:
2 Corinthians 5:15 (New International Version)
15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Lately it seems so clear that all that we are supposed to be, is an expression of God's love. It all seems suddenly so clear and simple.
Even in Matthew 9, which tells about Jesus visiting the home of Matthew the Tax Collector for dinner, he makes that point. Matthew would have been despised in the Jewish community for his service to the Romans and exploitation of his brothers. Jesus didn't try to hide his relationship with Matthew and furthermore, at his home he was suddenly surrounded by a crowd of similarly shady, fringe folks.
His disciples surely wondered about the road down which their leader was taking them. In response to their confused questions, he gave them some homework. He didn't tell them what to think (I love that,) but he did tell them to go away and do some thinking. He gave them six words to think about.
I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
Mercy, not sacrifice; relationship, not religion; love, not condemnation.
This is good news, not just for the world with which we rub shoulders, but for you and I, just as it was for the disciples, had they looked deeply into their own hearts. Perhaps Jesus hoped that if they pondered the six powerful words, they would see that it was they themselves that needed mercy as much as the "sinners" who were so drawn to Jesus.
So our lives should be devoted to this one thing. To love as he loved. All else will take care of itself.
Comments
And believing it is both freeing and risky-feeling. It's a true step of faith, to stop arm-wrestling people into the mold I think they should fit. Instead, to love them and trust God with the details, rather than trying to brow-beat, manipulate, strategize things out myself.
God's arm is able to reach.
Love.
Pray.
Watch God at work.
Be amazed!