Who Knows Best?

It was November of 2001, my first Sunday in a new congregation, as their Interim Pastor.  The Gospel assigned for that Sunday was Luke 6:27-38.  In my idealistic way I was prompted to meet the challenge of preaching on the first two verses for my message that Sunday. 

43 "You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,….(Mt.5)

Now I will remind you of the year again, 2001.  Just two short months had past since the worst tragedy on American soil had occurred .  All of us were still in shock, me included!  However I was, and am, convinced that Jesus’ way of living is to be, not only listened to, but lived.  And I was sure that these two verses were a needed message that morning.  That it might help to hear Jesus’ wisdom at that time in our history.  Because what I knew, that week, was that I needed to work through this difficult teaching myself. So I met the challenge head on!

Some would ,and did, say that that was not a smart idea.  

One woman was brave enough speak her mind.  I can’t remember her exact words.  But she began by saying:  “How dare you say that we should pray for those monsters…….”  I advanced my stupidity by opening my mouth:  “I didn’t say that, Jesus did!”  What I didn’t say, and wished I had, was that I was just trying to make sense out of this difficult teaching for me and you.  

The truth, as I see it, is that our human physiques find it extremely difficult, to find within ourselves the ability to love, forgive and pray for those who in anyway intrude on our comfort level.  Be it our emotions, physical wellbeing or whatever!  When we feel violated, in any way, we want to go on the defensive.  Jesus spoke about this entire human condition in the verses that follow verse 42 and 43. (see below)

The Jesus this Gramma knows is quiet consistent in his mission to get us to understand that our instinct to fight is not the best way to live.  He is persistent in his attempts to divert our attention to the value of forgiveness, compassion and  loving kindness. 

Just for a moment, give some thought to the history of the world.  From Jesus’ day to now!  Look at how very ineffective our attempts to control things with force are.  The use of threading words, knives, spears, guns, huge tanks, grenades and mind fields are all simply ineffective in the long run!

But, our reality is!  What we experience!  Is that bully type behavior does win.  Does get its way!  All we have to do is watch the workings of our government, or watch kids on the playground, to see how effective force is working.  

At least in the short-run!  

But in the long-run history has proven that it actually does not work all that well.

Jesus brought a better way of being together.

Unfortunately the human race just does not think Jesus ways are all that effective.

Doesn’t that make you wonder?

27 "But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you. 32 "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.(Luke 6)