Monday Meditation

Our church is starting a new series called "Jesus said..."  Yesterday, we looked at Matthew 5, where Jesus goes over things that we have been taught but using His authority over the Scriptures interprets it for us:

The Messiah doesn't do away with the law of the Old Testament:

18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. ... 

Teaching others that OT law doesn't apply is wrong, all of God's law is to be obeyed.  The scribes and Pharisees had the outward appearance of righteousness but God wants our hearts to be righteous:

20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ... 

Actions aren't the only thing to be regulated; thoughts and words must be taken captive as well:

22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. ... 

Don't let disagreements get out of hand, best to settle them asap:

26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. ... 

Again, thoughts matter.  Thoughts must glorify Him and not use others created in His image:

28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ... 

The law allowed men to "put away" their wives if they were no longer pleased with them.  But this "putting away" had consequences if not done within the confines of God's intent.

32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. ... 

You could swear in the Old Testament, but not falsely.  In reality it is best not to swear at all.

34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, ... 

People have long been in the revenge business.  My instincts are not what Jesus recommends, so I really need work on this.

39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ... 

When it comes right down to it, pray for everyone and hate no one.

44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

This is some tough stuff.  But if want to know our Lord and His ways, we must rethink worldly ways of thinking and get back to the foundation of Scriptural truth.