Mocha on the Mount-Chpt. 2

"The Law Revisited"
Key Verse:  Matthew 5:48, "Be Holy, for your Father is Holy."
The two key messages to focus on this week are:
      -Your King came and you missed Him.
      -You have the wrong idea of how to enter the Kingdom of God.

      In reference to the first key message, Israel was looking for their King.  They were looking for a king to free them from the cruel rule of the Roman Empire.  Israel had been in bondage several times throughout history.  They're mentality was that of freedom from oppression of the Romans, not freedom from the bondage of sin.
     Their view of the Messiah was to overthrow the Roman Empire, rule over the earth, and grant them peace and freedom.  They thought their anger and hatred toward their enemy was acceptable and just.
     In the second message, Jesus statements at the Sermon on the Mount, begins to pull apart every preconceived thought in their view of life, others, and their enemy.  On page 34, Sandra asks you to list the 'You have heard" statements.  These thoughts bring us to realize our sin.
                The Law                                                  Jesus says
Do not murder                                               anger is the same 
Do not commit adultery                              lusting, you are guilty of adultery
Legal document needed @ divorce           divorcing is guilt of adultery

Why was the law given?  How do we measure up to the law?  Are we good enough?
       The purpose of Jesus statement is to show us the measure of "God's standard" and our deepest need of a Savior.  We need to show compassion instead of judgement to others because we ourselves are guilty, too.
      Also, in this passage Jesus addresses our vows we take.  They are to be yes and no.  He warns us that our vows are to be taken seriously because God holds us accountable to them.  In other words, "don't make promises you have no intention of keeping".  Our promises build integrity and a good testimony to the world.  Being trustworthy is still one of the best characteristics to uphold.
      I like the way Sandra puts it,
"Kingdom living is generous, not stingy.  At stake in each of Jesus' exhortations is an appeal to entrust our personal rights to our King" (pg 41)
      In closing, our walk in this world should reflect God's love and forgiveness just as He has forgiven us.  What is God saying to you with your daily behavior, speech, and actions?
What one thing can you change today that could start your journey to be more like Him?
REMEMBER: One degree of change can move your course in life dramatically!!!!
                                          Have a blessed week walking with Jesus!