And . . . We're Off!

“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:” Matthew 5:1-2

These two verses are like waving the green flag at the Daytona 500. In my mind, I think, “and they’re off!”. Here, at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He begins the first of five discourses in the Gospel according to Matthew. In this discourse, Jesus expounds on the law, teaching about the spirit of the law. This serves, not only to demonstrate His authority (as you’ll see at the end), but also to wage an assault against legalism. Remember that Matthew writes this Gospel to target the Jews. In this case, he is attacking the legalistic teaching of the Pharisee’s by teaching about the spirit, rather than the letter of the law. Before you go any further, read Matthew 5:1-7:29.

Okay, now that you’ve done that, you get a basic overview of the teachings of this sermon. Notice how Jesus starts addressing the law, by saying that he didn’t come to destroy, but to fulfill the law, and that it will not pass away till all is fulfilled (v.17-18). Notice too that we should do and teach them in verse 19. Why? Because it is the law that shows us our sin (Romans 7:7). This again is pointing to the need of the Messiah, Himself. Jesus then begins his exposition which is most convicting for this Christian (me). I don’t want to jump into specific parts, since that the whole point of the study, so I’ll do this verse by verse. At that rate, I should finish the sermon in a couple years.

“for He taught them as one having authority, not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:29) By what authority did He teach? . . . His own. When the scribes would teach, they would teach with the authority given them through the writings of others. They relied on quoting the writings of others as their authority. They did not speak on their own. Here, Jesus explained the law on His own authority. This is a powerful message sent to the Jews. For how could a “man” do such a thing?

What's Important?

Today, I led my government students in a discussion about what kind of leader this country needs. I asked them to write a job description and requirements for the Office of President of the United States. We started by working through what they believe is important in a leader. I had planned to integrate into the discussion the principles of leadership we are going to discuss on the retreat since those are the proper (biblical) principles for leadership. An interesting thing occurred. As I fielded characteristics from students and listed them on the board, and we began discussing each and fleshing out what each looks like in practice, they all expressed a desire to have someone posses biblical principles. While maintaining composure, I was shocked! I really expected to hear things like, “strong ambition”, “go-getter”, “persuasive”, “successful as indicated by wealth or affluence”, but rather, I heard things like, “humble”, “balance authority”, “good reputation”, “lives what they say”. As they explained there rationale, I was even more in awe since their motivation was manifested in a genuine concern for others, even outside their personal perspective on issues. For a moment, my head was in a whirlwind. I actually was encouraged by the discussion and please to hear these young students express these desires since they will be going to vote in the February 12^th primary, even if our perspective on issues is different.

As I sit and reflect, I am perplexed; even confused. At what point do these youth who express wholesome desires (even if not biblically based) for leadership succumb to the practice of ill-conceived leadership? There must be a point in their life when these “good” desires give way to the “realistic” principles we see in leaders today. College? The work force? When does it happen? I know where it happens; in the world. Certainly we see what a worldly leader is from the world. We have TV shows devoted to it and it’s covered in most magazines. I guess I want to know at what point people convert. I have way more questions than I do answers.

A City on a Hill

As Jesus sat with his disciples, He delivered to them a masterful exposition of the law. I am going to begin studying Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1-7:29. I imagine that this will take some time since I will be going verse by verse, but it should be exciting and heart changing. I want to comment, before beginning in Chapter 5, verse 1, about verse 14. Here, Jesus is seated on a mountain in a valley along the Sea of Galilee. As we get to verse 14, the Similitudes, He says,

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

From where Jesus was believed to be seated, one could see the city of Safed. See the picture below.

Today, Safed is considered one of the four holiest cities in Judaism, along with Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias. It is also Israel’s highest city at 2790 feet. At night, the lights from Safed are visible from miles around, and the city can even be seen through the fog that would settle along the Sea of Galilee.

So what right? Are you a city for Christ? How visible are you? Even through the fog of life? Jesus continues in 5:16 saying,

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I often need to remind myself, that Jesus has called me to be that city and to let my light shine that the Father may be glorified. It’s too easy to let the stresses of life, the fear of man, and the struggle with the flesh, dim that light. Thankfully, God has given me His Spirit through which I get my strength. I pray that you also seek the Holy Spirit as your source of strength and let your life shine vibrantly for His glory.

Kick it Off

I've managed a couple of blogs, all related to a specific purpose beyond myself. So, I thought it was time to start one in which I can simply post my thoughts on God, Scripture, ministry and my life. Enjoy . . . or don't, it's up to you.