Matthew 5 - Sermon on the Mount; Two-edged Sword

Chapter five of Matthew begins the "Sermon on the Mount," the most awesome sermon ever, at least in my humble opinion! I usually deliver this sermon in its entirety at least once a year. Although, many see it as pure gospel, I hear it as a prime example of the two-edged sword. Depending where you are in your journey, you might hear it as good news or you might hear it as law.

I know that there are a few out there who would dispute that the "Sermon on the Mount" is both law and gospel so let me give you an example of how I have come to this conclusion.

The first time I proclaimed these words in their entirety for a sermon. I was up on a mountain, working at a youth correctional facility. I did not edit. I did not do or say anything else. I did not try to elaborate on it's meaning. I simply stood up and gave the "Sermon on the Mount" and then I sat down. I was reported the next day, by a young man, for telling him that he and his mother were going to hell. I did no such thing! The word of God - which is a two-edged sword both convicts and it heals, according to what God feels is the need of the people.

Where are you, today? Does this sermon of Jesus' bring you conviction or hope?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Micah 7 - Blood Thicker Than Blood

Micah warns that no shall be trusted - all will conspire against the followers of God - even one's family. Throughout my life, I have gone through many changes. At first, I naively trusted everyone. Then, I trusted no one. Finally, as I came to have a closer relationship with God, I was able, once again, to have trust in others. Not that I placed my trust in others, but that I placed my trust in God so that I was once again able to help others. I knew and know that no matter what others might do against me, God is with me for the good.

Sadly, I witness over and over again how true Micah's reminder and warning is.
"For a son dishonors his father,
    a daughter rises up against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
    a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
    I wait for God my Savior;
    my God will hear me." (Micah 7:6-7 NIV)

Greed, envy, jealousy; these all affect family relationships. Pride in self is a killer of families. Even among family members, one will put their own desires before another; before the good of family. When I worked at the youth correctional facility, I would warn the young men to please not move home when they were released. Many of their problems came from parents who put their own lives (often addictions) before the children. To move back home because of family blood ties would spell "prison sentence" for them in the end, as I knew that many of their family members would continue to lead them in lives of crime for the sake of their own desires. As the spiritual counselor, as well as the substance abuse counselor, I would remind them: "There is a blood that is thicker than blood and that is the blood of Christ shed for you."  

In Him we can trust.

God's Peace - Pr. J