SCRIPTURE: Luke 6:27-36
OBSERVATION:
Jesus introduces this with the phrase, “if you are willing to listen” (NLT), and that is very appropriate given how unacceptable what He says is. Here we see the radical way of the world according to God, the kingdom of God, the way the world ought to be. Love, compassion, mercy, generosity, patience, forgiveness, kindness, etc, these are the qualities that makes paradise, if everyone would practice them. But that’s the big ‘if’, and the reality is that what Jesus suggests goes completely against the grain of sinful human nature. The only way that this will happen is if we surrender ourselves to Jesus as our Lord, and with the help of His Spirit power, start living contrary to the sinful human nature. This is why we are urged to live by the Spirit, and not by the flesh (ie sinful human nature).
APPLICATION:
Where do I see the radical way of Jesus reflected in my life? Am I exceptionally kind, patience, gentle, forgiving, compassionate, loving, etc? Do I go overboard with the Spirit’s help in caring for, sharing with and serving others? When somone does something that inconviences, concerns, offends or hurts me, is my response different from non-Jesus-followers? Do I boast about the things that even they do, without God’s help? Here Jesus is challenging me beyond what I can do to what is impossible for me, apart from His help. Am I willing to be this kind of radical Jesus-follower?
PRAYER:
Lord, forgive me for taming and maiming Your teaching, and turning it into a respectable religion. Help me to start living the radical life that You taught, and lived! Amen.
The summary of the law is LOVE. As the acts of Jesus Christ was radical so too must my acts of love. Just thinking what the love of Christ has done for me and yet I keep falling from the mark. He continues to pick me up as His child and I continue on my journey of joy – my pilgrim’s progress.
My love, my actions or expressions of love also must be radical. As far as it depends upon me, live at peace/live in love with all mankind. Be good. Be nice. No revenge. Share of my talents and wealth. Give, and then give some more. Giving never ends. Loving never ends. Expressions of love never ends. Treat others as I would like to be treated. Do good. I need to do acts of mercy because I am HIS. Others must be able to see Christ in me by what I say and DO. Use me Lord as Your instrument of peace, today and always. Help me to give/share my love for You with those around me.
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.
May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our first-fruits give!