Jesus said what?!?
If you have spent any time watching the news in the past couple of weeks you know that the world seems to be in a time of upheaval. There are revolutions in Africa and the Middle East, politicians warn of an eminent government shutdown, economic instability, famines, epidemics, and oh yeah and wars. Times like these bring about great fear and uncertainty. I try to think about what Jesus said in John 16, "I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!" However, on some days Jesus' words seem distant and that I cannot relate to them. I question and doubt God.
Thankfully, God works through our doubt! Whether it be through scripture, the writings of a total stranger, or the words of a dear friend God's truth, love, and grace is revealed to us in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. Today, I experienced God through my iPhone... sort of. I have the Lectionary App on my phone, and in a moment of doubt and questioning I perused the lectionary passages for this week. This cycle of the Lectionary focuses on the Gospel of Matthew, this week's Gospel reading was:
"‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. 39404142
- Matthew 5:38-48
Talk about unrelatable! Turning the other cheek? Giving away what's mine without resisting? Loving and praying for those who hate me? Jesus is talking all sorts of crazy in this passage! My initial reaction was, "*Expletive*, Jesus commands us to do something that is completely opposite of human nature." Then it hit me, God beckons us to a life of love and peace that requires us to cast off human nature and embrace God's nature. Human nature leads us into wars, suffering, fear, and uncertainty while God's nature is love, hope, and peace. When the world calls us to bear arms, God says turn the other cheek and pray for our enemy. When we want to take take and take for ourselves, Jesus shows us how to give of ourselves completely to others and to God. Society tells us to only like those who are similar to us, while God says love EVERYONE!
Living in a world of fear and violence is exhausting, and it is foolish to think we can do it on our own. God is with us. Time and time again in scripture we are reminded, "Do not fear, for the Lord is with you." During our times of doubt and fear God's peace will find us. It might be through the most unsuspecting outlet, but God's peace will find us. Amen.
Thankfully, God works through our doubt! Whether it be through scripture, the writings of a total stranger, or the words of a dear friend God's truth, love, and grace is revealed to us in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. Today, I experienced God through my iPhone... sort of. I have the Lectionary App on my phone, and in a moment of doubt and questioning I perused the lectionary passages for this week. This cycle of the Lectionary focuses on the Gospel of Matthew, this week's Gospel reading was:
"‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. 39404142
Love for Enemies
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters,* what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."4445464748- Matthew 5:38-48
Talk about unrelatable! Turning the other cheek? Giving away what's mine without resisting? Loving and praying for those who hate me? Jesus is talking all sorts of crazy in this passage! My initial reaction was, "*Expletive*, Jesus commands us to do something that is completely opposite of human nature." Then it hit me, God beckons us to a life of love and peace that requires us to cast off human nature and embrace God's nature. Human nature leads us into wars, suffering, fear, and uncertainty while God's nature is love, hope, and peace. When the world calls us to bear arms, God says turn the other cheek and pray for our enemy. When we want to take take and take for ourselves, Jesus shows us how to give of ourselves completely to others and to God. Society tells us to only like those who are similar to us, while God says love EVERYONE!
Living in a world of fear and violence is exhausting, and it is foolish to think we can do it on our own. God is with us. Time and time again in scripture we are reminded, "Do not fear, for the Lord is with you." During our times of doubt and fear God's peace will find us. It might be through the most unsuspecting outlet, but God's peace will find us. Amen.
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