Step 1: We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies-that our life had become unmanageable.

January 16, 2007

Yesterday’s devotional reading was Matthew 5. If you haven’t read it – take a moment and do so, please…

You have just read what modern day scholars have called, “The Sermon on the Mount” – by Jesus. This is the first of five extended teachings by Jesus found in Matthew. Scholars differ (as usual) on whether this was one long, marathon sermon, or a compilation of the teachings of Jesus.

It’s an interesting body of work. It begins with a cry for brokenness and humility – because, according to Jesus, it is in these times when we are blessed. Then Jesus sets before us a clarion call to live by a moral and ethical standard that is so high that many have questioned whether it could ever be obtained. Of course, that is the point. It cannot be obtained by mere mortals.

This isn’t supposed to be a quick read, easily understood and applied without too much hassle. Jesus is a master teacher, knowing that sometimes it is best to leave his audience confused and slightly off balance. One truth is clear and indisputable in the messages of Christ: apart from him, we can do nothing. So why should it surprise us that his messages are challenging, confusing, and uncomfortable? I’ll tell you why (aren’t you excited?) –

• We are a people more inclined to want to be God, than we are willing to become imitators of God (see Adam and Eve to see where we got that particular slice of DNA.)

• Jesus wasn’t trying to gain a market share or get his face on the cover of People magazine (“I do not accept praise from men.” John 5:41 NIV) – he was trying to present the plans and purposes of God – and inviting us to join God in his pre-designed epic adventure. This plan was not (and is not) up for discussion and debate. It is God’s plan. Our choice is not approving the plan, but whether or not we are going to participate in that plan.

• It’s a good thing Jesus wasn’t going for the popular vote, because his plan involved a decidedly unpopular concept: Deny yourself.

So no wonder Matthew 5 is confusing. We naturally seek the softer, gentler way. We prefer microwaves to crock pots; speed dating to relationship building; instant gratification to delayed gratification – this is the way we are wired. But it is not healthy nor is it in keeping with God’s plans for us.

It’s time for each of us to own up to the fact that we may say we love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength – but our Day Timers may prove otherwise. That duality of thinking results in powerless and unmanageable living.

You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

Scripture reading for today: Matthew 6 - 7

Thought for today:

“From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (John 6:66 NIV) Why? Because the message was too hard. This is a hard message. Finding our way back to God is not the same thing as landing on easy street. Tom Hanks had a great line in the movie, “A League of Their Own” – an awesome movie about women’s baseball leagues during the war. One of the girls is crying after he yells at her and he shouts in frustration, “There’s no crying in baseball!” ….probably better if you see it than when I’m telling it!! He was delivering a hard message, and some could handle it while many could not. Well, welcome to the real world. If we think the message of the gospel is soft and gentle, we’re wrong. I think the message is much cooler than just the promise of an easy life.

Thought for tomorrow:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:9 NLT

So let’s consider being one of the few who are willing to accept their chosen status – begin by acknowledging your personal powerlessness.

Teresa McBean
January 16, 2007

Previous devotionals

Other links: www.crosswalk.com &  NACR Online