Matthew 5:21-37
‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.
‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.
‘It was also said, “Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.” But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
‘Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.” But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be “Yes, Yes” or “No, No”; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
Reflection
So, what are we to do with ourselves, Jesus? I know that I am a sinner... now what? I have seen what you have taken on for my sin and am truly sorry. But now what am I going to do? How do I express praise and awe to such a loving act as you have taken upon yourself in my place? How do I cry out for salvation when I'm in the midst of the storm? How do I give thanks and praise for such a wonderful act of love? How do I express love, joy, peace and home dear Lord?
This hymn expresses the mystery of how we love our God as ourselves and in our own way. Each of us are unique and God loves us as we are. God loves us so much that he gave the life of Jesus for our sinfulness. God loves us so much that he wants us to be what he created us to be. God loves us even in the midst of the question and the sin. He loves us to death... to the death of ourselves... and brings us to life... to life in the risen Savior.
God of the sparrow, God of the whale
Author: Jaroslav J. Vajda (1983)
God of the sparrow
God of the whale
God of the swirling stars
How does the creature say Awe
How does the creature say Praise
God of the earthquake
God of the storm
God of the trumpet blast
How does the creature cry Woe
How does the creature cry Save
God of the rainbow
God of the cross
God of the empty grave
How does the creature say Grace
How does the creature say Thanks
God of the hungry
God of the sick
God of the prodigal
How does the creature say Care
How does the creature say Life
God of the neighbour
God of the foe
God of the pruning hook
How does the creature say Love
How does the creature say Peace
God of the ages
God near at hand
God of the loving heart
How do your children say Joy
How do your children say Home
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSbB153VSoo
Prayer
Lord, even in the midst of the sorrow for my sin, hear my song of praise and glory. For it's my death and your life that I sing of while I question the ways of myself and of this world... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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