Well, it's time to begin my writings about my scripture reading. Today I started with the first of the Gospels Matthew, reading chapters 1-5.
Chapter 5, with the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount is going to be the focus of my thoughts. How many times have I read the "Blessed are..." verses and not paid much attention to them? But this time, I realized that He was truly speaking to his disciples at that point. In the end of Chapter 4, it talks about the beginning of His ministry and the multitudes that came and were healed. It would only then make sense that those same multitudes were those He was delivering the Sermon on the Mount to. They were the poor in Spirit, the mourners, the meek, the peacemakers, the merciful, those that hungered and thirsted after righteousness, the pure in heart. I remember as I served my mission in Boston, it always seemed strange that we as missionaries found so many of those who were at the bottom. We found those that were struggling, that were poor in Spirit, we found the mourners, we found the meek, the merciful. I realize now, it's because of weakness that we truly begin to be humble enough to seek after the Lord and His righteousness.
He also spoke to those who were persecuted for His sake, and mentioned that the prophets before had likewise been persecuted. Being a true disciple of Christ brings with it persecution, as it's one of Satan's greatest tools. Sometimes, it's hard to remember that those who are persecuted for His sake will have a great reward in heaven. I know many times in my life I've been persecuted, but I've not stood as I should. I fear my reward may not then be as great. Then interestingly, He calls the multitude the "salt of the earth", but quickly reminds them that salt can lose it's savor, and at that point it's worth nothing. A poignant reminder that those who are disciples still have to work. We can be the salt, but with sin an iniquity lose our savor, and then be "trodden under the foot of men".
Concerning the light analogy, one thing that I had never considered before was the phrase, "and it giveth light to all that are in the house." I think being a parent, and a true patriarch now, I realize the importance of being that light to my family. It's not enough to be a light, I have to be bright enough to give light to my wife and children. The great part is that their light helps mine grow, and we all shine brighter. I also found it interesting that good works are mentioned in this vital passage of scripture. The age-old battle of faith vs. works notwithstanding, we can see that it's important to be doers of good works to "glorify your Father which is in Heaven."
The discussion of the law is so interesting from a historical standpoint. We all tend to get so stuck into a way of doing things and thinking, and I'm sure it was the same for the faithful Israelites who had followed the prophets. They were so used to the Mosaic law, I'm sure it was a hard thing for them to hear the Mosaic law was fulfilled in Christ. Verse 19, which discusses men teach the commandments but not following them, is an outright slam on the doctrine of some that teach, "Do as I say, not as I do." Those who DO AND TEACH the commandments have the greatest reward. Again, the gospel of action. I love the explanation He uses to give them an understanding of the Higher law in which He teaches that if you come to the altar with your sacrifice (fulfilling Mosaic law), but remember that your brother has "ought" against you, go and take care of that first, as it is the higher law.
Verses 31 and 32 really woke me up: 31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. I noticed quite clearly that He doesn't mention anything other than fornication as a cause for divorce. Not getting along is not a reason to be divorced. Now, I would think that He would also allow for abusive relationships to end, though it would seem that most abusive relationships probably have had at least one adulterous affair in there somewhere. But, it's quite clear that a man and his wife should not put marriage at naught, that it is far more important. That's something that really challenges the world today, and an area where even my own parents failed. Hopefully, they have repented.
I remember on my mission Elder Winder, who was a scriptural scholar. He would teach us random things about the customs of the time of the Savior's ministry, and he taught us about the oaths and the swearing on something that was common at the time. That was a man's credit in that time. He would swear on things of value to him to demonstrate the importance of something to him. Verses 33-37 do away with that. Simply yes or no, no need for swearing on the heavens or earth.
Finally, verses 43-48. How many times have I read these verses as well, and just NOT gotten it? It's easy to love your neighbor. As Christ says, "And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?" So, I'm no better than an average lawyer (sorry Chris ;) ) if I only take care of those I love? Yep. Recently on Tennesspeed, there has been much discussion of welfare, etc., and it's so easy to say that all those on government assistance are undeserving and are taking advantage of the situation. I think we as a society, and as an even smaller group of believer in Christ have forgotten His words here too easily. We judge those in bad situation, much like Job's contemporaries judged him, and it's no less wrong. God is the final judge, and we were commanded to not judge unrighteously. I think judging a man on his situation, when we have no knowledge of what led him to that situation, would qualify as unrighteous judgement.
The overwhelming feeling that I felt as I read through Chapters 1-5 was recognizing the love that Christ has for all. We are so quick to ignore those who are sick, or challenged in some way, because it's not popular. Those were the very people that sought after Christ and his teachings. Why? Humility. I would submit that the single greatest struggle I have in my life is Humility. I was once called the Great Pontificator by my father when I was on the radio because, as he said, it was as though I was lifted up in the sound of my own voice. Now that I think back, how right he was. My children remind me everyday how I should act, yet I ignore their beautiful spirits and teachings. But the blessing is knowing that I can do better. I can become a better father, a better son, a better husband and a better man, not by looking at what I have done, but by looking at what I have left to do. I never realized that time would begin to move so quickly, but now it feels like a locomotive that's out of control. Time to get to work... -jc