While Al Debelak is on vacation, we will be re-posting devotions from June of 2000.
Text: Matthew 5:21-22
"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times. 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.' But I say to you that if you are angry withy a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insulft a brother or sister you will be liable to the council; and it you say, "You Fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire.
This text goes on about a trip to the altar and being reconciled with those with whom we are at odds before we go an do the "religious" thing. Jesus was stressing that we are different than the world if we are ones who follow him. Murder is terrible to everyone...every society...even the most ruthless regimes. "But I say..." We will go about the day makind reconciliation a priority among us. We will not give room for the anger, insults...and any other actions that break relationship just as murder would. We are always called back into the room to be reconciled. In some ways the "Thou shall not murder" is only the eye-catching part of that commandment. It then goes right to the heart of living together in relationship. Probably all of us can claim that we have never murdered anyone...but as Jesus expands the fullness of this law - no one stand innocent...or in a place to boast. We are being invited into a higher calling...and I know that it is not a place I often want to go. In the Reign of God there is no "losing face" that can restrict us from renewing the day and our relationships. The judgement that is spoken about here seems to have more to do with the fact that we miss out on the fullness of God's Reign each and every time we are not involved in reconciliation. If I go about breaking relationships, I am doomed to be a part of a broken life. And yet, there is always the invitation to make peace and live a wholly holy life.
Connection: How many times can you catch yourself before you pull the trigger today? And then, how many times can you let yourself experience the blessedness of healing and preventing death?
O Lord of life, keep us washed in your loving presence in the times when we are tempted to break up our world. Empower us to hold the biting tongue and to speak words of truth so that we may know the power of your ways among us. Amen
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