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Monday, January 24, 2005
I think it would've been so exciting to live during the times of the American Revolution. I don't know if it's because I really do like rabble rousers or whatever, but I love the stories (even if history may have embellished them a bit) about the Boston Tea Party or Paul Revere or John Hancock signing the Declaration of Independence in large letters.
Sure, the colonists would've been pushed around for a while and been tired of having their lives infringed by taxes and soldiers and media bias like we'll never know. And, sure, they'd had enough. So, after a while you come to realize that men like Thomas Jefferson were brilliant, to be sure, but they were voicing what the colonists were already tired of.
Jefferson had ideas.
He wrote them down.
The caused the Revolutionary War. People died, but the cause was worth it in their minds. Words and ideas can change the world.
That's the mindset that the Jewish nation was under in the first century at the time of Christ. They were miserable, waiting for their Messiah, to free them from the oppression of the Roman occupying government. I'd imagine you'd find similar emotions in Iraq today. They were ready to rule themselves in their own land.
So the rabble rousers and outlaws on that hillside listening to the Sermon on the Mount were waiting for some words and ideas along the lines of military overthrow of the ruling government. They wanted the words and ideas of a revolution.
They got them, too.
I've talked plenty about chapter 5. I always will. It's vital to understanding everything that Jesus said and did and continues to do.
But when I talked about Matthew 6 last week, and all the items that make up the spiritual walk included, they fall within the context of everything Jesus said before them.
And, so, waiting on revolutionary words, they were told the needed recruits of the revolution would be meek, poor in spirit, gentle, mourners...all inward traits. You can read those famous words in vv. 3--12.
And these inward traits that should have outward results. You can read vv. 13--16.
And pick up your Bible and finish up reading the chapter and notice the number of times Jesus said, "It is written..."
followed by
"But I say to you..."
And you'll notice that Jesus is talking about how the intent of the Law is much more important than holding the letter of it. This was setting the tone for the outward display of religion being pointless that we read about last week.
So, in effect, there would be a revolution.
Society as they knew it would be changed.
But that revolution would take place in people's hearts and minds, not on the battlefield (although that WILL take place later in history--see Daniel and Revelation for full info).
Words and ideas can change the world.
But you still have to accept the challenge to be a part of it. And inward realities have outward manifestations. That's reality...
So today, be a bit introspective as you mosey through your day/life. Ask yourself what your outward actions tell others about your inward realities. Maybe journal about them. And we'll develop this a little bit more later this week.
Brent 4:20 AM
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