Devotional: They Say, Jesus Says

Matthew 5:21-48

This past Thursday Marilyn, my wife, and I went to the polls to vote in a runoff election for the vice mayor of our city Nashville, Tennessee. This year, 2018, is a year of what is called midterm elections. We have voted in the primaries for governor of the state and one senate seat.

In November we will vote for the offices of governor and senate. This means that we will have to make choices on who we think is the best candidate. In our decision making we will have to consider the person running for office. We will have to consider each candidates platform and where the candidate stands on the issues.

Tennessee is a red state. This means that people are highly influenced by the conservative evangelical position on major issues such as abortion, gun control laws, and taxes. Both liberals and evangelicals are influenced by their religious beliefs; at least they claim that this is the case. For me, it is not what the politicians and religious leaders say. More importantly, it is what Jesus says to me. The truth is this: A position on a given issue may be highly supported by the church that I attend. Does this make it right? I think not because what my church supports may be in my mind contrary to what Jesus says to me. I believe that Jesus says that this is true.

In the Gospel of Matthew the writer records the words of Jesus as He teaches the people in His Sermon on the Mountain (Matt. 5-7). Matthew 5:21-48 records six issues that Jesus raise; including murder (v. 21), adultery (v. 27), divorce (v. 31), vows (v. 33), revenge (v. 38), and treatment of enemies (v. 43). In each case Jesus begins by saying, “You have heard that it was said.” Then Jesus says, “But I say to you.” The religious/political leaders, the Pharisees, scribes, and Sadducees have their own way of interpreting the Law. They claim to have the knowledge and authority of God to determine the moral, ethical, and legal standards by which a person must live. Jesus comes to refute what they say, and He gives the true meaning of the Law. What do the words actually say? Who has the knowledge and authority of God to speak the truth?

So, as a Christian, I must ask myself if the political party, church, and community organization that I am affiliated with take a position on the issue that agrees with the words of Jesus. For me, I choose to follow words of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for your word that helps us to make decisions that are right in Your eyes. Amen.