Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Thursday, May 29, 2014

The Sixth Sunday of Easter (GA)

Luke 6:27-36
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

There was a slogan with respect to bullying, "It gets better." I have to say it does not always get better. Not every fat person escapes being called names. Not every Short person finally grows taller. Not every homosexual will be accepted. Not even every racial couple will find happiness. It does not always get better. To tell people this is a lie!

I was listening to a news report about a film artist that killed some people. This report showed the similarity between popular movie stories, showing people "It gets better." The overweight kid gets the attractive girl (both by Hollywood standards). The middle-aged man who can have all he desires. Have you ever took the time to take your favorite television show or movie and list out how much the things cost they use on a weekly basis, or at a whim. These people are rich, lavished, and totally disconnected from the impoverished world we live in.

"It gets better." is the worst slogan ever. I will tell you this world is full of sinners. They will torment and pick on you and your lifestyle. I am not going to accept your sins. I am not going to shy away from telling you that you need to lead a holier life. But Ultimately Jesus tells you to love the bully. He tells you to turn the other cheek.

Every day when you see someone do something mean remember they are spitting in Jesus face. Every time we break even the least of the commandments we are spitting in the Father's eye. Our sin is bullying God. It will be perfect! Be merciful as your Father is merciful. He sent his only son to die for those who spit in his eye. He loves you even as you profane him. He forgives you all your sins and loves you. As Christ loves you, love one another. When Christ returns, he will make all things new. Then and only then will it be perfect, or better.


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