Reflection by Jeff Koch
Scripture: Exodus 22:20-26; Psalm 18; 1 Thessalonians 1:5c-10; Matthew 22:34-40
“Let the hears that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face.”
How shall we then live? A question that has been asked for ages. Undergirding our readings today I am reminded that Israel was to be a light to the Gentiles and a light to the nations around them. (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6). The commands that he gave them would make “His” justice to be a light to the nations. (Isaiah 51:4). That justice was not a punishment, but a light to see how to live the way of God that would be one of peace, and life; to live life in the ‘right’ way. They were to be a light for God’s justice in the midst of all the injustices in the world that surrounded them. And hopefully, they would not be . . . instigators of some injustices. So, Israel was to show the nations that they lived among the way of God, so they might turn to Him also. While it was hidden, Paul tells us that from the beginning of time, God’s dream, God’s desire was for the whole world, both Jews and Gentiles to be one in Christ. “When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” (Ephesians 3:4-6).
So, as Moses was instructed by God to tell the people how to live in this new land he was giving them. He gave them the commands, things like: as you enter the promised land, do not “molest” (literally to exploit or oppress, afflict, or humiliate) an alien, for you yourself were an alien once. Do not wrong a widow or orphan for God loves and is concerned over widow and orphans because his wants them to know the protection and love of a husband and father. Give to the poor and if you take his coat for a pledge in a loan, when night comes, give it back to him for it is his cover and protection. These are practical ways we can prevent or correct injustices. Israel was inhabiting a land of promise and God wanted to make sure that they acting in a way that would show Gods love for the people, all the people. As they took up residence in the promised land, there was a way that they were to live and act among the Gentiles that would show them the love of God, the care and provision, and presence of God.
But being this light to the world was not just the purpose and ministry of the Israelites. Jesus brings this to us, as we live a new kingdom way of life in the midst of our world today; when he said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). So, how do we now live? Jesus when asked what law is the greatest, shares two . . . “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
If I may say this a different way, the way to show the light of God’s goodness and love and life, is to obey these two commands. We live in a world of great injustices and the reality is that many, if not all of those injustices can be ‘righted’ by living by these two commands. I believe the world longs to see the right, to see justice. One of the newer translations shares the 4th beatitude this way, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6, NLT). Israel and the church were established here in this world of injustice, to be justice; to right the wrongs done to others and show God. Just as the world itself longs for the revelation of the children of God (Romans 8:19-22) those who are hurt, exploited, oppressed, or afflicted, hunger and thirst for these things to be made right.
Those injustices flow from a turning away from God and seeking our own will and desire, even if it runs roughshod over another human being. In our readings today we are confronted by this reality of injustices; with either warnings against actions that cause injustices or a way of life that helps to insure we won’t participate in the injustice, with a possibility that we can be a persistent presence for a cure for many injustices.
Paul was excited that the Thessalonians had followed his example, which was the example of the Lord Jesus himself; and that word of their faith has “gone forth everywhere.” They had turned away from idols and now served the living and true God. And the world around them could see and know it. Injustices were corrected and made right and the gospel was well received because of the conduct of the Christians.
Let us live in such away, that those who long for these injustices to be corrected and as they are they can see God; His love, His care, and His provision for all that we need for life and godliness. May we pray this prayer below and live to show forth the justice, the right way of God! That is how we should live! YOU are the light of the world!” Shine brightly!
Almighty ever-living God, increase our faith, hope and charity, and make us live what you command, so that we may merit what you promise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns wth you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God, for ever and ever. Amen!”