Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Reminded by Rain

Matthew 5:38-48  "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'  (39)  But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  (40)  And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  (41)  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  (42)  Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.  (43)  "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  (44)  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  (45)  so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  (46)  For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  (47)  And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?  (48)  You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

This passage struck me afresh this morning.  Once again I am stunned by the radical injustice we are called to participate in.  Not only was it unjust of God to forgive his children and punish his son Jesus in our stead, but he calls us to do the same in allowing ourselves to be abused and by loving what is not worthy of love.

The cross should be a constant reminder that Jesus was unjustly abused and has loved many who were not worthy of love.

The rain should remind us that God blesses both the just and the unjust.  Who are we to refuse to do the same when God is our perfect example to follow.