We’re doing an interesting thing Sunday nights at The Journey right now. We’re watching the book of Matthew unfold via the big screen. This may sound odd, as the actors and actresses actually recite word for word the NIV (?)translation of the Book of Matthew.
Tonight we got to the Sermon on the Mount. It was interesting because I’ve experienced this sermon used to make various points on Sunday’s throughout my life. The thing I noticed when watching this, and really letting it sink in (there’s something oddly comfortable in hearing these words from a live person)my initial reaction was “I can’t ever do that!”. I had the thought that these rules were impossible to live by, and it was shortly after this that we discussed that fact entirely. This was very much Jesus calling out the religious leaders of the day. You say don’t kill? Well, I say if you even get angry with someone you’re as bad as if you had killed them.
I remember reading this as a Freshman in college and thinking, then what’s the point? Does this give me carte blanche to kill? ‘Cause I’ve darn sure been angry with numerous people in my life, but I don’t think I’d ever kill anyone. If they are equally as bad though, shouldn’t I just off people I don’t like?
This is somewhat disturbing to think about, so I’d often settle back down to the sexual transgressions (they always seem more fun anyhow). Well, if even lusting after someone is as bad as adultery, shouldn’t I just be out there sleeping with anyone that will give me the chance? Sure, there is the little aside of “yeah right, in your dreams pal” but you know what I mean.
Somewhere between the actual event, the recording of the event, and my reading about the recording of the event I’d lost the context. The point was that we, as humans, CAN NOT be perfect. The point is that at any laws established we WILL fail (as our definition of the law will not go far enough for God).
The thing that really, honestly hit home though was that I took the whole “book knowledge” vs. actual application/life knowledge away from this encounter. Most of the times I’ve read the New Testament it has all been very dull, two dimensional and difficult for me to get emotionally vested. I’m seeing now that there is life here. There is emotion, excitement, happiness, sadness and a *reality* (via actors - I know, it’s an odd thought but it works) to the whole thing. I’m on my way to having the rubber meet the road myself. I’m being shaken out of my tendency to fall back to religion. We are called to be so much more, to one another and to those we don’t know. We are called to be the shining example that is not hidden under a bowl.
Funny how it comes back to the child hood Sunday School songs…this little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine…and billions of little lights shining make one awesome light show…
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