Page 48 - Living Light 87

Monday January 20 - Jesus in us?
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45
Well, it’s not what we would have done if we had the power! Surely there needs to be payback to those doing evil? That’s how our natural selves would see it. Surely evildoers don’t deserve the warmth of the sun and the refreshment of the rain! But this is not how the kingdom of heaven works. God gives equal advantage to all, whatever kingdom they inhabit – whether that of the world or that of heaven. It doesn’t mean that he overlooks their ways, as we see in Psalm 37:1-2 – ‘Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.’
As members of God’s kingdom there is one priority – our own behaviour. Don’t waste time looking at the misdeeds of others. We are not called to judge them; leave that to God: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). Instead, we live in God’s kingdom and, by our actions and attitudes, let others see the difference. Let them yearn to be like us, because by looking at us they should be seeing Jesus. Here’s a question we should be asking ourselves continually: do people really see Jesus in me?
Father in heaven, help me to examine myself and not focus on the deeds of others. Amen.
Tuesday January 21 - Examine your heart
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” Matthew 5:46
Yes, even tax collectors are human beings! They were hated in Jesus’ day; I hesitate to give a modern equivalent, but rather than offending I will leave that to your imagination! They love and are loved; that’s what human beings do. I have four grandsons. I love them all dearly because of their relationship to me and they all love me in return, mostly because of the lavish spoiling and indulgence I represent! This is easy – there is no sacrifice involved.
But it’s an awful lot harder to love those who are indifferent or even hostile to you. That’s where the challenge is. That’s where Kingdom living really kicks in. Loving your enemies – that’s such a challenge! The one who bullies you, who insults you, who spreads lies about you... There is a further challenge in 1 Peter 3:9 – ‘Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.’ It’s not just loving them, but blessing them! The result of this, as we see in both the Matthew and the 1 Peter passages, is a reward or blessing for yourself. And what is the form of this blessing? This is totally up to God. He sees our heart and our motivations and will bless us accordingly.
Father in heaven, please give me the grace to freely bless my enemies. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY