In a similar way, Christian worship should tell a story that makes us want to set sail for the immense sea that is the Triune God, birthing in us a longing for “a better country—a heavenly one” that is kingdom come (Heb. 11:16). James Smith
Scripture
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbour’ and hate your enemies. I say, love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.”
Observation
Jesus talks about how we treat our enemies.
Even though the law says, we may exact proportional revenge – an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth- we are not to resist an evil person. Do not hit back at a person who hits you.
In court, if you lose the case, give more than is demanded of you. Give to those who ask and don’t turn away those who want to borrow.
The law says we must love our neighbours, and some people interpret that to mean that we should hate our enemies. Jesus says that we must love our enemies. In this way, we will be like our heavenly Father. If we only love those who love us back, we are no better than pagans or corrupt tax collectors.
Application
The law of Moses says we must love our neighbour People being what they are, develop the thought that this means you could hate your enemies. Jesus says repeatedly that we must love our enemies. Everybody is our neighbour
This is hard and, really, it can only be done in the grace of God. So, when somebody treats us badly or gossips about us, we do not need to defend ourselves or seek revenge.
Jesus tells us to go on the front foot and pray for those who persecute us. That can be difficult too, but it is achievable. The interesting thing is that when I genuinely pray for my enemy, God changes my heart and makes it possible for me to love them.
Prayer
Lord, I thank you that even when I was opposed to you, you still loved me. Please give me that kind of love for my opponents. Amen.
Worship is the arena in which God recalibrates our hearts, reforms our desires, and rehabituates our loves. Worship isn’t just something we do; it is where God does something to us. Worship is the heart of discipleship because it is the gymnasium in which God retrains our hearts. James Smith
The church’s worship is a uniquely intense site of the Spirit’s transformative presence. James Smith
Scripture.
“Just say a simple, “Yes, I will,” or “No, I won’t.” Anything beyond this is from the evil one.
Observation.
Jesus goes on to teach about divorce and vows.
In the Old Testament, it was permissible for a man to divorce his wife by simply giving her a written notice. Jesus now says that while this might be the law, the way of discipleship is to avoid divorce, unless a wife has been unfaithful .
In the past, people were required to fulfil vows that they made. The Pharisees found various loopholes rendering vows as unnecessary and deceptive. Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No’. Anything beyond this is from the devil.
Application.
A vow was supposed to be a way of binding a person to fulfil what they had promised to do. To swear on the name of God was, in theory, to call down the wrath of God if you break your promise.
The Pharisees had brought in levels of binding for various vows, making the practice totally worthless. As usual, the burden of this fell on the poor and uneducated people who were prone to being defrauded.
Jesus tells us to be people of our word. If we promise to do something, we should do it.
I recently had some big renovations done on my home. The total cost was ova, $150,000. There was no contract, just the bond of trust that I would pay what was owed and the various tradesmen would not overcharge me.
When we follow Jesus’s commands to follow through with their promises regardless of legalities, everybody benefits.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you require us to live up to the promises we make. Please help me to ensure that I am a trustworthy person in every part of my life. Amen.
