This week Michael writes: Jesus Christ himself is the declaration of “the way of truth” ... for he said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes unto the Father except by me. The Sermon on the Mount is upside down from the world’s doctrine. The world says, “You’re number one. Please yourself ... you are the center of the universe and you deserve everything you can get.” However, if you look at the world you’ll be upset. Look at others and you’ll be distressed. Look in the mirror you’ll be depressed. The world is a broken place, for the god of this world [the devil] has blinded the eyes of those who believe not, lest the glorious Gospel of Truth in Jesus Christ should shine unto them.
The god of this world, Satan the thief comes not but for to steal and to kill and to destroy ... his ultimate purpose is to divide and conquer ... to separate us from God. However, Jesus Christ has come that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He is the One who reconciles our hearts back to God. When we approach our Lord from a heart of meekness and humility, forsaking our sin nature, and mourning over the sin that has separated our hearts from God’s heat, then we can approach His throne of grace. Repentance is to forsake sin and turn unto God through the sacrifice of His son ... for He who was without sin [Jesus] was made the perfect sacrifice for sin on our behalf that we may be made the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Jesus said, apart from me you can do nothing. Everything in this world will pass, only that which is done in Christ shall last. Therefore, our discipleship is to follow our Lord Jesus Christ as a disciplined follower. Jesus said, take up your cross daily and follow me.
Galatians 2:20 “For I was crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ lives in me and the life that I now live I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” To conform our lives to His life, we must choose to follow our Lord from a loving heart with humility, awe, respect, and reverence. If we’re doing what we’re doing with the selfish motive of impressing others, then Jesus said, you have your reward. Your reward is of men but not of God.
After he had taught the beatitudes, Jesus continued his message: You have heard it said, but in contrast, I say unto you. There is an inflection point in every Believer’s life ... a point of repentance ... a change of direction. These turning points turn our hearts from our own selfish selves and unto the heart of Jesus. Jesus said, If someone steals from you, give him your coat also. A coat was a man’s precious possession. Jesus also said, even though the Pharisees taught you that you should love your neighbor but hate your enemy, this doctrine is not correct according to the true meaning of the Old Testament law. Jesus clarified that in your own interpersonal relationships, when others treat you wrongly and slap you on the cheek, then turn the other cheek. The slap on the cheek is the world’s attempt to shame and humiliate you for standing for the truth. However, as the Apostle Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. For it is the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first and also to the gentile.” Romans says, whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. Therefore, love your enemy. Pray for them that speak evil of you and despitefully use you.
Let's continue Michael's message nonliving and loving like Jesus in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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