the Vine

The Way of the West operates by two principles when it comes to love and sexuality: (1) Do what feels right (2) as long as you have the consent of the other. Then here comes Jesus and pretty much says, “Nope, you weren’t made according to those principles. In fact, that’s pretty much the exact opposite of the principles of your creation.” In Matthew 5:27-31 we see that Jesus holds us to a higher principle; the highest, in fact. 

To love is to will the good of the other. Jesus shows us that on the opposite end of the spectrum from love are two things that are equally evil: murder and anger. Yes, Jesus equates the evil of murder with the evil of anger by exposing the same heart of both. Martin Luther King said that we should "avoid not only violence of deed but violence of spirit." How do come out from under the powerful influence of anger?

Jesus calls his followers to a righteousness that's better that that of the religious professionals; one that isn't just on the outside but that goes all the way to the heart. It's a little like heart surgery. That means this better righteousness requires a better doctor.

The Way of the Kingdom is a Way that cuts through the ins and outs of our everyday lives. We live in a world that needs us to be the people of faith God has called us to be. We ought not try to find some "golden middle" for our faith. We are not salt shakers and we are not dimmer switches. We are the salt. We are the light. And the world needs us to be who we are. 

Every culture has a vision for what "the good life" means. A nice house. 2.3 children. A healthy 401k.

When Jesus begins teaching what some have called "the Ted Talk of Jesus," he lays out a vision for "the good life" that is, well, different.

This week we're launching into a new series on the Sermon on the Mount called "The Way of the Kingdom". It'll take us several weeks to get through chapters 5-7 of Matthew but I know you'll see, it will be worth it. 

The podcast takes a new turn... hopefully for the better. Here's what's up. 

A devotion inspired by Henri Nouwen, from the booklet, "From Suffering to Salvation".

A poem by John Donne with a reflection by Malcolm Guite in his book, "The Word in the Wilderness." 

A lenten devotion from the book "Inhabit," published by Dwell. Find out more about the Dwell scripture listening app here: https://dwellapp.io