"Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to
abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest
letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished." Matthew 5:17-18, NASV
Sometimes people say Jesus set a whole new way of doing thing, and in some ways they're right, but really He came more to set things straight. Folks wanted a different messiah than what He really was. They wanted a warrior king who would get them out from under Rome's rule, not a man of peace.
It occurs to me maybe they weren't expecting God's Son, just another King David. Not that King David wasn't a great man--but he was just a man, not a god. And it occurs to me maybe we do the same thing--paint Jesus as the way we want Him to be. He's not a warrior king, but He's also not a milksop. He chased the money-hungry merchants out of the temple, confronted the religious leaders of the day, and went to the cross for the likes of you and me.
Lord, help me to recognize You for who You are--the Only Begotten Son of the One God. Help me see how You came to fulfill, not to abolish, the laws of God. Help me, Lord, when I'm tempted to see You as other than Who You are.
After months of war over Jesus and the crazy ideas in the Gospel my daughter had made peace with God. She didn't become 'meek and mild'. She is still as feisty as ever. My family is united by the Gospel but the process was wild, full of slamming doors and confrontations over resentments and past hurts. Today, my daughter, Rachel is always ready to; "Fight the good fight of faith, [AND] lay hold on eternal life, . . ." (1 Timothy 6:12)
ReplyDeletehttp://walkingwithtony.blogspot.ca/2012/01/war-and-peace.html
That is a good devotional. I also have to remember who Jesus really is. I cannot think of Him as a wimp. I thought of Him as taller than most men and very kind; broad shoulders and work hardened hands. If He was a carpenter He had to have calluses on His hands and strong to handle the wood. I also must remember that Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, Tony--what a blessing!
ReplyDeleteAnd Connie--great points. I'll remember those, too.
~Anne