January 12

Matthew 5:21-26 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

vs 21: You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'
vs 22: But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.

Observation

I see the contrast Jesus makes here between what was the standard of the old (the action of murder) and what is now (the intent of heart). Being angry, insulting, or calling others 'fool', is something lesser of offense. Although an action of murder is very heavy, Jesus tells something light--as some might call it-- is as much heavier as killing somebody.

Why? I wonder if this is the example of what Jesus talks about in the previous section: vs 17 .. i have not come to abolish them (the laws and the prophets) but to fulfill them," and vs 20 "for unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven." Jesus' standard of righteousness is much more than what's outside and the result/consequences, but it about the intention, what's inside, motivation and heart. That's the fulfillment of the law. That's the righteousness He seeks after. And that's what He describes as the life of Kingdom of heaven (vs 20). A life that's changed inside out. A life transformed inside out.

Application

How easy it is that I often pay attention only to the result and outcome of any action/task/effort... Rather than the heart condition as I carry on the action/task/effort.
God sees my heart, while others might only see the external.
God places a high standard on me, to live the life that's been changed completely inside out. That's His expectation.

What is my expectation of myself? Do I seek to fulfill the law? Do I seek to live out the righteousness of heart, rather than just satisfying myself with perceived righteous action?
When God sees my heart and wants it be that of integrity, the heart of righteousness, how come I don't place the same strict & high expectation on myself? Why not strive for it? If I don't set a goal to do so, then, how can I make a plan to achieve it or training for it? If I don't train for it, how can I live the life that fulfills the law and the life of righteousness that exceeds that of the scribe?

Set a goal of living like this -- the life of integrity this week: by not saying anything that I am not committed to follow thru, and by examining my heart condition at the end of day in light of all the actions/behaviors I will have taken.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for challenging me to expect the same of me as You expect of me. Thank you for revealing that I could and I should do so. Thank you for reminding me again of Your desire of the inside out transformation. Not just external action/behaviors, but that comes from the heart.
Please grant me the strength to live out the goal that I set this week -- that I will keep the integrity of my heart & the word. Help me build a habit of evaluating each day's actions/behaviors according to my heart condition. in jesus' name, amen.

--yanahn