November 6, 2023

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING:

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1.27)

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, ‘Do not swear an oath at all. All you need to say is simply Yes or No; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.’” (Matthew 5.33,34,37)

“Above all, brothers and sisters, do not swear [pledge an oath of contractual obedience], not be heaven or by earth or by anything. Let it simply be said by you ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ and thus you will not fall into condemnation.” (James 5.12)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

If we follow along with Jesus’ teaching, then what we may see quickly or over time is one simple truth: obedience. Freewill challenges that simply truth in Heaven and on earth. Freewill might be more aptly understand as the choice between two truths. Oh, I know those in the world would love for you to believe there are many truths. This is the argument behind every “world” religion that has or will ever be. Isn’t it essentially the argument presented against the scripture all Christ followers hold to be “true” as Jesus declares, “I AM the way, the truth and the life by which only you may gain the height of heaven and stand in the presence of God forever.” How often have we heard those inane self-improvement pundits proclaim “if you do this” or “if you do that” or “if you think this” or “if you think that.” Why we even say it ourselves at the end of one calendar year leading to the beginning of another! We make our list of short-term and long-term goals. We establish our lists of “resolutions” and formulate our system of “what will be true for me in the coming year.” We assign action plans and support systems. We even toe the starting line with the best of intentions and “as the ball drops in Times Square” we set off in a dead sprint for a marathon run. Little wonder why we fade so quickly and sit ourselves down on the curb along the side of the road and watch the rest of the world pass us by in various stages of incompletion.

We may “promises,” we are not prepared to keep. We strike bargains without recognizing the collateral damage that is inevitable. We buy out ticket to “Let’s Make a Deal” and then ask others what we should do, say or bid. From before the beginning of earthly time, the struggle to stay obedient has been a trial and tribulation for all but God and the Godhead. It would seem that obedience is the defining characteristic of authentic love. It is in our obedience to the nature, character and desire [shall we read the word design there?] of God that we experience the greatest peace, wisdom and joy. Don’t get me wrong. I did not say ease, comfort and profitability is the experience. We need only to look at Jesus and see how in His obedience to God He found the blessings in the midst of the tribulation. We dare not think for a second that it was “easy being Jesus.” It was not easy. He does not promise “easy” to any of us who choose to walk with Him, by Him, for Him and in His name. He confesses there will be trouble, trial, persecution, tribulation and even the cessation of our earthly lives. He professes in the same breath, “Do not be consumed by fear; know this ‘I AM overcoming the world.’” How can He have both and be both? By remaining obedient to the word of God in, over and through His life. “He was obedient even unto death, that death on the cross.” (Philippians 2.8+) He invites us to experience the same in a powerful statement many will still gloss over, “Take up your cross and follow after Me.” Isn’t He asking us to do the same as was asked of Him? Jesus would never ask any to do what He Himself would not do.

He even told a parable to solidify this thinking. A great banquet was being put together. He invited many guests to come and share in his great joy. Invitations were issued without an RSVP. They simply needed to be ready when the time came. When the time came, excuses were more than ready to be offered. The guests did not ignore the invitation. They did not stay prepared for the invitation to be executed. In their unreadiness, the business of the world inundated them. No one, or very few, actually accepted the invitation and showed up to the feast. So, the invitation was extended immediately to those who were not invited previously. They accepted gladly and came to enjoy the blessing. (Luke 14) Matthew 22 contains a similar aspect of the teaching framed in reference to a wedding. The bottom line was “be ready to follow through with the invitation given.” It was and is a matter of obedience. The challenge comes when we ignore the letter of the invitation and revel instead with “being invited” as if it was the better honor. They all said to the servants at the onset “I’ll be there.” We never hear their caveats until after the “final” invitation is extended. But, we know they were there. We used them ourselves. Even in our decision to be disciples of Jesus the Christ, we hold in place our excuses for our shortcomings and then lean on “He will understand, I don’t have to try that hard.” Really? Jesus asks us in this very Sermon on the Mount[ainside] “Be perfect, as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” Can’t be perfect when you are sin-fected? Well, in part it is true. But, is it true for a lack of effort or a failure to believe that in relationship to our salvation all things are made possible by God? All Jesus asks us is to not strike bargains with our faith and faithfulness. Don’t swear “I will do it today or maybe tomorrow.” Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no. Exercise the extent of such faith today and seek His grace when all efforts to be good fall a little (or a lot) short. Give the effort; be obedient to who you say you are in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER IN LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD:

Father, You have revealed to us best in Jesus the Christ. By Him and Him alone shall we gain the eternal life and our place in eternal rest, living for You always. Show us more and by Your Holy Spirit instruct us in the way we should go, the truth we should reveal and the life we shall live with you forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.