Scripture

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your difference quickly. Otherwise your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.”

Observation

Murder is a serious crime, but just being angry with someone will make us subject to judgement. Calling someone an idiot or cursing them may send us to hell.

If we remember someone is angry with us, even in the middle of church, we should go quickly and be reconciled to them. if we are in a court case, we should try to settle the conflict lest we end up bankrupt and in prison.

Application

Jesus make some strong points here about the importance of proper conflict resolution. Anger can lead us to the place of judgement.

Anger is a good thing because it warns us that there is bad stuff going on in our heads. I heard a psychologist once who compared it to a light on the dashboard of a car. The light is not the problem, but it warns us of a hidden problem that might even be dangerous.

Anger can cause us to lash out and separate us from other people. It can cut it off from receiving love and may result in destructive actions.

So Jesus tells us to beware of the dangers of anger and to seek as much as possible to be reconciled to people. Even if we get who the level of legal action, or in the middle of worship, we need to stop and resolve our differences.

Relationships are vitally important in God’s Kingdom.

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I do get angry sometimes when I am under pressure. Please help me to let your peace displace angry reactions. Amen

Scripture

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Observation

We are the salt of the earth, but we must maintain our flavour or else we will be cast out.

We are the light of the world, like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Nobody lights a lamp and hides it under a basket. No, it must be put on a stand to light the house. In the same way, our good deeds need to light up the world and cause people to give praise to God.

Application

This revelation that we have received from God must change us and it must be shared.

We need to live exemplary lives of generosity and service to others in order to cause people to praise the Lord.

Following Jesus is not just a religious practice. Yes, we must have hearts and minds that are focused on Jesus. But our prayers needs to be directed to actions of serving other people.

If we just preach the gospel, we have a message, just like a thousand others. But when we serve the poor or we give ourselves in helping people, then people can see that there is truth in the message.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you came into the world to save sinners. Please help me to both speak and live the gospel, so that people will give praise to my heavenly Father. Amen.

Scripture

“God blesses those who are poor and realise their need for him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”

Observation

God blesses the poor, the grieving, those who are humble, those who hunger and thirst for justice, the merciful, the pure in heart, and those who are persecuted.

When people mock us and persecute us and lie about us, then a great reward awaits us in Heaven.

Application

God’s value system is diametrically opposed to the world’s value system. The world favours those who push themselves forward and pay their own way. God favours the poor and the humble.

While many people look at the outward appearance, God judges the state of our hearts. So, many who seems successful in this life will not be in the kingdom of heaven.

When the system seems to be stacked against us, and the mockers and liars seem to be winning, then God is at work, overturning the scales. Some of this we see in this life, but we will not see the fullness until we get to heaven.

God tells us to be patient for vindication, for it will come.

Prayer

Lord, you see my situation and my heart. I surrender myself to you and look forward to your blessing. Amen