Posts

Showing posts with the label Stretching beyond what seems humanly possible

Yoked to Jesus

Image
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” †  Mathew 11: 28-30  What is the labour and burden that Jesus is asking me to deal with? Perhaps I have to let go of the compulsive burden (or is it a sort of entitlement?) that my spouse and children should choose a spiritual path that I know to be right. Jesus accompanied Judas Iscariot to the very end but never deprived him of his freedom to choose his own destiny. Jesus on the other hand, uninterrupted by Judas's choice to reject him, continues to accomplish his mission. He does become a victim of Judas's betrayal but he seldom takes on the victim's identity. In divine wisdom, Jesus chooses to die in our place (and that of Judas) in a redeeming act of love. Rather than being compelled to fix those whom God has entrusted to my headship by m

Stretching beyond!

Here is a classic example of how Jesus wants us to stretch beyond what is seemingly possible by human standards. This is not because Jesus is hoping to enjoy some kind of sadistic supremacy over his creation by raising the standards so[oooo] high. But instead he alone knows who we are and what we are capable of. He knows very well that all he has done is now possible for humans through Him. This is precisely why he said "Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father [John 14:12] Now here is what Jesus has to say to us today. “But I say to you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you and pray for those who treat you badly. To the one who strikes you on the cheek, turn the other cheek; from the one who takes your coat, do not keep back your shirt. Give to the one who asks and if anyone has taken something from you, do not demand it back. “Do t