O - Jesus gives the followers one new commandment. If engaged, everyone (the world) would be able to validate that they were actually following him. He didn't instruct us to read or memorize Scripture, attend gatherings, pray while assuming a specific posture, commit to certain theological conclusions, fast, wear certain clothing, or follow a specific diet. None of these activities validate his followers. The validation comes only, exclusively, if we love each other.
A - The wording of Jesus' new commandment is curious … considering the worldwide impact it carries. Why didn’t he say if you love everybody the world will know you are my followers? He wants us to love all but that isn't how he phrased the instruction. Why not pick up the reality of the second of the two greatest commandments? After all, he wants us to love our neighbors as ourselves, our equals; but that's not what he said. Why not really crush it by the assignment to love our enemies? It's a revolutionary way of thinking and living and he even wants the followers to do it. Yet, that is not the command and not what will validate those who are following him. It is only if we love each other like he's loved us that anyone would know who is actually following Jesus.
P - Well Lord,
The assignment is crystal clear … simple to understand not always easy to engage. Nevertheless, I choose you back, choose to follow and accept your instruction.
Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment