Being the official leader of any group of human beings is a very hard task. It is not often that “everyone” within the group “supports” the one who is the leader. As a result there will normally be those who will challenge every discussion made or action taken by the group leader. And of course there have been throughout the course of history far too many examples of local or worldly leaders who have let the power of their office inflate their egos and their own sense of self-worth and justification.
In our Gospel reading (Matthew 23:1-12) this morning, Jesus is reminding those who are listening to him that over the course of time the Scribes and the Pharisees have become like other earthly leaders. He is telling his listeners that these leaders have become hypocrites. They now are requiring and demanding great discipline from all of the other followers, while at the same time they excuse themselves from living by such rules and they do just exactly what pleases themselves and their bodies.
Jesus both cautions and encourages his true followers by reminding them that, “All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.”[1] If you are not sure of the deep truth of these words, than I suggest that you review the recent events found in our own world news.
In reality it is often all too easy to find fault with the actions of any group of worldly leaders over a long enough time frame. Some might even be tempted to wonder about the actions of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. But we must be sure to remember that God is not human. God is the creator of all that exists … including humanity.
Do you remember what the author of Psalm 107 wrote as the opening words for this outstanding song of praise? “O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.”[2] God may become angry with us from time to time, but we are told that God’s love is steadfast and that it will endure forever.
Now the truth is that I love my children, but there are times when I have become angry with them. And yes, there have been times that I have expressed my anger. And yet I continue to love them with my entire being. I continue to reach out to them with compassion and love; hoping that they will choose to change their course of action.
Now I’m a simple human being and if I can find within myself the ability to forgive those who have done hurt-full actions in my eyes, then how much more is God capable of continuing to love each and every one of us?
What about the question: why is God allowing hurtful things to happen in this world? The reality is that the question is being asked in the wrong direction. We should be thinking about the choices that we are making. Are we following the teachings of our faith? Are we willing to embrace, encourage, and love our families the same way that God loves us?
And if you are among the lucky ones who are able to answer in the positive – like I am – then consider this question: Am I also willing to embrace, encourage, and love my neighbor, or someone who does not even look like me?
The dark side of humanity has had many followers in the past, and there are just as many with us today. But today our challenge is to truly belief in the words of the Psalmist … That God’s love endures forever. That the strongest power and hope in this world is the power of love … for true love will bring hope to all of creation!
No comments:
Post a Comment