Tuesday, October 11, 2022
           (click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Resist the right thing
Struggling to be justified by law, you are separated from Christ. You have fallen from grace. Through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus, the old rules count for nothing, but only faith working through love.
Our pastor Liz lived like this for decades of her life, struggling to be justified by law. Then she met Jesus.
The Lord said to his hosts, “Oh, you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools!”
But Liz is not a pirate. There is no cunning in her. Sweet mother of two, joined at the hip with her husband, sharing her joy every day with everyone around her. And I’m guessing she was a lot like that before she met Jesus. Her Christian upbringing taught her the rudiments of politeness and respect. Her natural bright personality smiled on the world, her generosity shared with others, especially when they were in need.
Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? But as to what is within, give generously to the poor, and behold, everything will be clean for you.
I know just a bit of Liz’ story, but what I do know is this. She calls herself out: “Once I was lost, now I am saved.” Her inherited Christianity might have paved a path, but she had to walk down it to meet Jesus, who was walking up to meet her. Everyone’s path is different, of course, but the collision with Jesus might be about the same. We are stopped short, and after trying to pass by, Jesus says, “Stay awhile.”
Let your mercy come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. Take not the word of truth from my mouth.
I did not stay, and I did not stay … and then, I stayed. Where Jesus stays with me has NOT become clear of obstacles, but still it is the most lovely of places, the mountaintop one day and rainbow over the ocean the next. All the obstacles seem transparent and false at times, although I must endure them anyway. I think Jesus told me his yoke is easy, though, and his burden is light. I am reminded of this, and the obstacles fade away.
Hold fast, Margaret’s Scottish ancestors said. The words are written on her McLeod crest. Hold fast to Jesus! Never never never let go.
I will walk in freedom because I seek your precepts. I will lift up my hands to your commands and meditate on your statutes. Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
I think what Liz discovered, as did I, was that within the love and strength of Jesus, following the rules is a joy beyond hope. Of course. Obedience is not just for dogs or fools. Obedience is my new way of life.
Or should be. I am still working on it. Liz probably is too.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. Through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness.
(Galatians 5, Psalm 119, Hebrews 4, Luke 11)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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