First, I’d just like to mention how cool it is that today’s gospel reading is a passage we’ve been studying in my Intro to New Testament class (a random elective credit I needed that turned into one of my favorites). God was definitely trying to get my attention this week with this passage… I got it, here I am!
Second, I’d also like to note that this reading (Matthew 5: 17:37) is pretty long and is wonderful all by itself, so if you’d like to read it or reference it, here it is.
In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus talks about his duty to come to earth, to renew the commandments, and to fulfill the scriptures. He says that “whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven”.
He knew the commandments would be difficult to follow. He knew he was asking a lot of his people by telling them to follow him and these laws.
It’s not supposed to be easy. He knows that.
This was something I’ve needed to hear, and I’m glad I finally listened (even if I didn’t until the third time I heard it…). Jesus knows that the right choice isn’t easy, and that the easy choice isn’t right. He also wants his people to know that the right choice is worth it in the end, and victory in the struggle to choose what’s right will only amplify your righteousness.
Victory over sin, victory over death, and victory over the-easy-way-out.
That’s what Jesus promises. (And it sounds pretty good, right?)
The next part that really struck me was verses 29-30. This part gets a little morbid, (but it sure does get you to listen).
29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
Basically, it is better to rid yourself of what leads you to sin, that to doom yourself to sin because of it. It’s better to set yourself up for success, rather than allowing yourself to continue along the same pathways that lead you to failure.
He knows we are weak, but he calls us to be strong.
He wants us to have strength to make the hard decision, the one that prevents us from sin, early on, because it will lead us to greater salvation, happiness, and grace in the end, rather than making the easy choice, and cashing in on temporary pleasure.
He knows the right choice hurts, but he promises that it won’t be made fruitlessly (1 John 2:25).
He knows you’re hurting. He knows you’re trying. He knows you are called for so much more.
He knew exactly what I needed to hear this week, and he knew what it would take to make me listen.
I hope you listen up for what God is trying (and trying and trying) to tell you this week!
Blessings,
February 12, 2017
We are such stubborn listeners. :/ “Anyone who has ears to hear should listen and understand. ” ~ Matthew 11:15…sometimes we disregard God’s voice because we do not recognize it. Building a relationship with him is key to understanding and truly hearing with those two beautiful ears of ours. <3 Great post!
February 12, 2017
Even when I think I’m listening, I realize sometimes I’m only listening for what I want to hear… I’m learning to be a better listener in faith and friendships this year. Thanks for reading!! Blessings always
February 13, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this today, I have been struggling a lot the past few days with a lot of different things, and it’s so reassuring that God knows exactly what we need if we only trust Him. I love being able to read your posts! Great job! <3
February 13, 2017
He knows when we are struggling, and he knows we like to try and figure things out on our own, but I always end up realizing sooner or later the best I can do is trust his plan!! Thank you! Have a blessed day 🙂
April 1, 2017
You are so right that the right choice is not easy but is the one to make. Obedience has its rewards.
April 2, 2017
It definitely does!
April 3, 2017
Refreshing to read, the choice is the struggle that is the issue, and may God help many more to make the right choices..As you share, there is fruit at the end, so worth it!!
April 3, 2017
I’m so glad you enjoyed and can relate!! I’ve found that God is just waiting for me to do the right thing so he can love on me even more! Blessings 🙂