01.27.12 “The politics of Jesus”
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:27-38
27 “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
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Reflection Questions
In our final reading of this series, we turn to one of the most challenging teachings shared by Jesus. In the coming months, we will each continue to educate ourselves on the different platforms and ideas presented by the varying candidates running for an elected office. We will seek in our own way to make wise decisions, to vote for great leaders, and by God’s grace we pray, to participate in this process in a way that models the grace and love we have received in Christ. We believe we bear that responsibility as those called to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.”
At the same time, we realize that our higher calling is to a different “platform,” a way of life captured in these words from Luke 6. They are the most audacious, controversial and revolutionary ideology ever presented in human history. We recognize that we live in a crazy world. We believe that Jesus is the only answer to that chaos. These words represent his politics and the ultimate allegiance for all those who have committed their to lives to him. May we be those people, sons and daughters of God fully devoted to seeing our fervent prayer fulfilled for God’s kingdom to come into our lives, and through us, into the entire world. May God bless and guide you as you follow Jesus this day and every day of your life.
Weekly Prayer
Lord, we live in your world. Your word reminds us that you have called us to be “the light” in this world and “the salt of the earth.” In spite of our differences and in the midst of our struggles, help us to be living witnesses of your grace and love. We pray today, Lord, for your kingdom to come into our lives that we may be used to bring your kingdom into the world. AMEN.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.