"Spinning My Wheels" July 17 Readings: Matthew 5:1-6:18

Today's Reading - Matthew 5:1-6:18

Background

Sometimes the teachings of Jesus are so shocking that we tend to ignore them, redefine them, or put them in some special classification to justify the fact that we do not live them out. The teachings of the Sermon on the Mount fall in that category. Several of the words Jesus spoke act like ice cold water on a hot day to our souls.

Beside the Sea of Galilee there is a natural amphitheater in the side of a hill that some believe is the location of this greatest of all sermons, the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus went up on a mountain, sat down and began to teach his disciples. It appears at the end of the sermon that the crowds had followed and gathered around.

The sermon begins with the Beatitudes, which describe the way Jesus has called us to live our lives. Then, in tomorrow’s readings, from verse 17 to the end of chapter 5, we will read of Jesus’ interactions with the Law. In chapter 6 we will see what Jesus says about true religion, then in the second half of chapter 6 through all of chapter 7 we will see principles for kingdom living.

The problem is not that these teachings are hard to understand, it is that they are hard for us to accept. But Jesus said what he meant and meant what he said. It is up to us to receive it and adjust our lives to the commands of God.

I must resist the temptation to write a book about the Beatitudes. Many have done so and for further reading and study I heartily recommend D. Martyn Lloyd Jones’ book, “The Sermon on the Mount.” But I would say several things quickly.

• These are characteristics that are not normal for us as humans. They are contrary to our sin nature and impossible for us in our natural condition.
• These are characteristics of Christ, who is the model and example of each.
• Therefore, this is not a moralistic, “try to do better” teach, but a statement of the goal of life for those who have been redeemed. To try to obey the Beatitudes without salvation in Christ is impossible.
• Beatitude means blessing. These are a blessing that comes from Christ and those who obey and pursue these character qualities receive further blessings from Christ.
• They are progressive as well. The poor in spirit realize their sin and mourn over it. In their meekness they yield to Christ and hunger and thirst for him and his righteousness. The poor in spirit are merciful to others. Those who mourn over sin become pure in heart. Those who are meek and humble become peacemakers. And those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are willing even to suffer for righteousness sake.

Salt and light describe the nature of the church in this world. Salt hinders the decay caused by sin and death. Light chases the darkness and points the way to God. This is who we are and what we are to do.

Devotional - Spinning My Wheels 

Have you ever been stuck in the snow? You spin your tires but all you do is dig a deeper and deeper hole. The same is true if you are in mud in warmer climates. Round and round the tires go, faster and faster, but the car is going nowhere.

Does your life feel like that sometimes? You are working and trying and expending yourself in the service of the Lord, but nothing seems to be happening. There’s no growth, no progress, no results. And most of all, no joy. No spiritual vigor. The Christian life is just a hum-drum rigmarole.

There can be many reasons for that, but in my experience, there is one that is perhaps the most common, and the source can be found in Matthew 5:44. Love your enemies. In this sinful world, we experience abuse, mistreatment, abandonment, cruelty, and all forms of sinful behavior. People hurt us and we tend to hold on to it. We justify it – “if you only knew what he did to me.” We despair – “There is no way I could ever forgive her after what she did.”

But there are no qualifications in this verse. No excuses. No exceptions. Think about this. Jesus died to pay for the sins of the men who held the hammers to nail him to the cross. The men who ridiculed him and spat up him – his death covered their sins. Salvation was available to Pilate, to Caiaphas (some think he later became a believer), to the man who drove the crown of thorns in Jesus’ brow.

But, my friend, you must remember this. Those were not the only enemies for whom Jesus died. You were an enemy of the Savior. Your sins separated you from him and put you on the other team. You chose sides and it was not his! But Jesus still suffered torture and hung and died for you. That was the extent of his love.

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us!

But that love cannot be received unless it is also passed along. It must be shared with other – not just family, friends and those who are kind to you, but your enemies as well. There is nothing more in the spirit of Christ than loving one who has mistreated you. You are never more like Christ than when you pray for and reach out in love to one who has treated you like dirt.

Remember, Jesus did not make a request. He did not give a suggestion. This is a command. And those who disobey, who refuse to forgive and love their enemies are bound in anger and disobedience. They end up stuck in the spiritual muck, spinning their wheels but going nowhere.

As long as I carry my grudges, as long as I am burdened by anger and hate, I will be stuck, bound, hindered from any real spiritual progress.

Father, I thank you that Jesus Christ loved me when I was your enemy, that he gave himself to redeem a sinner like me. I need your grace and strength to pass that love to those who have hurt me, who have made themselves my enemy.

Think and Pray

Is there a person who has deeply injured you, abused you, caused you great pain? Have you forgiven that person through the love and grace of Jesus Christ? Do you pray for him or her? Do you seek ways to bless that person?

Think for a few moments and write out what it might look like if you showed love to that person who has hurt you.