Can you believe I finally got into
Matthew Chapter 18? Chapter 17 was so wonderfully overwhelming. I had no idea I was going to actually see Jesus’s transfiguration on the Mount! The breaking of dawn was absolutely stunning! I just love the Morning Star! It’s so hard to believe that 8 poetic sermons came from just 27 verses. I look forward to digesting 35 more. I guess I’ll start Chapter 18 by eating the first five. “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:1-5 First, it’s important to understand the disciples question came right after they witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus and experienced how the casting out of a demon was impossible for them. If they had any doubts Jesus was the Messiah, the actual beloved Son of God, then those doubts were now probably squashed. It’s interesting to me, in a frustrating kind of way, that the disciples next question was focused on political position and hierarchical power in the kingdom of Heaven. I mean isn’t it amazing how selfishly humans respond, even when we think we are giving God out best? Humans tend to focus on hierarchy, rank and order, comparing themselves to each other, rather than being equal as sisters and brothers, and coming under the authority of God. Even when we think we are doing what is right, by deciding who is just and who is not, we are actually breaking the heart of God. When Jesus’s students asked the question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus responded by showing them the heart and humility of a little child. My guess is, Jesus wanted them to understand that they should let go of the thoughts and customs of this world, because they are in direct opposition to God. Rather than focusing on gaining position and power, humans should simply trust in Jesus and serve others, thereby serving Him. From what Jesus said and did, we can assume in the Kingdom of Heaven, positions of power are actually positions of servanthood. Not the other way around. Rather than lord human power over other people, or demand “power to the people” we are called to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. This means even our enemies, and people who are different from us, deserve our respect and forgiveness. A lawyer asked Jesus this, "which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5 Doesn’t it all make sense now? “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.” It is the humble in spirit who will be citizens in Heaven And live upon the new earth as God's children. God’s Word is not always easy to digest! It often goes in like honey and turns bitter as it goes down. God’s Word is the perfect mirror for us! It helps us know how off base we are. Everything we know; Everything we’ve been told - Is an abomination to God! The prince of this world tempts us to focus on self. And in the flesh, we do not have the mind of Christ, rather we have the mind of self-interest. People get stuck on “Who is the best?” Even the Church is notorious for this! In fact, they can be the very worst. I’ve seen posts from Christian businesses who say things like “No one does it quite like us!” “We are the best!” And I’ve seen Church Billboards and signs that advertise, “No one loves you like we do.” Let me ask, is that actually true? Does that one church really believe they are that good? Do they really believe they are better at love than anyone else in any other church? Where is the humility in any of this? I’ve seen whole church doctrines focus all their attention on human hierarchy and position rather than focusing on servanthood. And I’ve seen so many Christians get into vicious arguments about what they believe to be justice. I’m not saying I am any different. I, too, trip over selfish ambition. But I’m learning to submit myself to the Lords correction. And every time I digest God’s Word, God shows me that He is good, and I am not. “Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:7-9 Lord, please forgive us and help us to walk in love with the mind of Christ. Help us to get rid of selfish thoughts that focus on human hierarchy, position and power, and stupid comparisons like "Who is the best?"
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