Page 34 - Living Light 87

Monday January 6 - Be righteous
“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” Matthew 5:22
This is serious stuff; in Christ’s eyes an unrighteous attitude is as much a sin as an unrighteous action. “I didn’t do it!” is no longer an adequate defence! In God’s eyes, obedience to the commandment against murder begins with eliminating anger for one's brother. It can’t be watered down; to be unrighteously angry with another person makes me subject to God's judgment. Jesus has raised the bar to a seemingly ridiculous height. Who can honestly claim they have never burned with anger?
In those days, anyone who insulted another was answerable not just to God, but to Jewish religious leaders. The term Jesus uses here is raka, a Hebrew word meaning ‘fool’ or ‘empty head’. Jesus goes on to say that if we call someone a fool (a moron or idiot) we become liable to eternal damnation. Yes, of course it is wrong to murder but it is also wrong to call a person worthless. In essence, guarding our hearts is just as much part of obedience to God as guarding our actions.
So where does this leave us, when only those with perfect righteousness will gain eternal life? My righteousness, based on my deeds, falls woefully short – I am found wanting. I need another’s righteousness. Praise be to God that ‘through the obedience of the one man (Jesus) the many will be made righteous’ (Romans 5:19).
Lord Jesus, please purify my heart; forgive me for the judgemental attitudes I hold towards others. Thank you for your righteousness. Amen.
Tuesday January 7 - Be reconciled
“...leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to
them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:24
The prophet Samuel posed the question, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice...” (1 Samuel 15:22). This is key to understanding today’s text; in essence, obedience is the best gift we can offer to God. It is the supreme evidence of our love. Jesus made this clear in saying, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15).
Disharmony is a hindrance to worship. Therefore, if at all possible, we should seek to be reconciled (Romans 12:18) before we worship. This extends to any Christian brother or sister who may feel offended by us, irrespective of whether we think it was our fault or not.
Before sharing in communion the Apostle Paul instructs believers ‘to examine yourselves before you eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves’ (1 Corinthians 11:28-29). This is not to be taken lightly. So what does ‘discerning the body of Christ’ mean? The actual body of Christ is represented by the broken bread – the means of reconciliation, both with God and with others. Secondly, the body of Christ extends to the universal family of the church. Ongoing disharmony wounds the body at the very moment of healing! Let’s take a moment to reflect...
Father, please forgive me and show me where I have not discerned your body and have not sought to be reconciled. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
32
PRAYER FOR TODAY