Monday
Matthew 22.37: Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and the greatest commandment.”
Sometimes we ask a question because we genuinely want to know; other times a question can be a mental body swerve, a way of avoiding the truth that stands in our way. This was Jesus’ reply to a trick question about which is the greatest commandment. Jesus’ answer was like a well-timed rugby tackle, leaving no room for manoeuvre. The first priority of the heart, the magnetic North of the soul, the first focus of the mind, is to love God with all that we are. To love God completely, and serve God first and foremost, is to give God first claim on our worship and obedience.
Tuesday
Matthew 22.39: Jesus said: “And the second is like it: Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Second only to our love and obedience to God, is our love and service to our neighbour. The parable of the Good Samaritan is all the argument a Christian should ever need to be alert, responsive and compassionate to those we meet on the way who could do with our help. But if we need even more convincing, then Jesus’ astonishing self-revelation in the need of our neighbour is likewise like a well-timed rugby tackle that isn’t fooled by the body swerve: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt.25.40)
Wednesday
Matthew 22.40: Jesus said: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
God demands no more than is contained in these two commandments. But the unpacking of them in lives of loving obedience to God and compassionate service to others is the work of a lifetime. “He has shown you, every one of you, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah distilled into that one verse all the commands of the Law and the Prophets for holiness and justice. Jesus concentrated all that teaching down into matters of the heart devoted in love to God, the soul centred in worship, the mind focused on obedience, and the neighbour loved and safe in our presence.
Thursday
Matthew 4.3 Jesus said: ”Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
These words were spoken under pressure. Temptation is that familiar inner process of being torn two ways at once, knowing there is a right and wrong choice of what course of action to take. The greatest commandment to love God with our whole selves means nothing in life matters more than God. Life is God’s gift. We live every day by the enabling grace of God, who calls us as his children to a loving and responsive obedience with all our heart, soul and mind. Seek first God’s rule in your heart and in your daily living; then every other thing will fall into its proper place.
Friday
Matthew 5.13: Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?”
Salt can’t lose its saltiness. But it can become adulterated, a mixed economy of salt and accumulated compromises. Jesus was saying two things. First, salt works when it makes a difference, when it is different from what it comes into contact with. The various uses of salt for preserving from corruption, medicinal aid to healing, adding flavour to what is bland, all depend on salt being salt! Second, the credibility of the good news depends on our being Christ-like, telling the Gospel, living lives of such convincing quality that Jesus is obvious and visible in who we are. Salt of the earth.
Saturday
Matthew 5.14: Jesus said: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Light is an element of the reality we inhabit that enables life, makes visible, pulses with energy and is used to make life liveable. Followers of Jesus are lights that guide and illuminate and encourage life. The light of Christ brings hope, by forgiveness banishes guilt, liberates from fear, and guides those who are lost and confused back to their home in God. And yes, wherever it’s dark, light can’t be hidden. On the contrary, light defies and defeats darkness. Travellers in the darkness, see the city lights, and know where home and safety lies. You, yes you, are the light of the world.
Sunday
Matthew 5. 16: Jesus said: “In the same way, let your light shine before everyone, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
The good news of God’s love revealed in Jesus, demonstrated on the cross, bursting abroad and let loose on the world at the resurrection – that’s the light that shines in and through the Christian’s heart, and as the living centre of the Christian community. This is who we are! Love God, completely; love your neighbour, every time; be the salt and be the difference; shine with the light of Christ out into the world around you. Be the Body of Christ who is the originating Light of the World.
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