Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment…love one another” (John 13:34).
This “new commandment” Jesus gave is truly amazing when you consider its historical background:
First, there was the Law of Revenge. Before Moses, the law of the land was the law of the jungle. It said, “If you hurt me I’ll hurt you – and then some!” Enemies actively sought ways to settle old scores because revenge wasn’t just acceptable – it was encouraged.
Next, there was the Law of Retribution. In Moses’ time revenge was replaced with retribution which allowed, “An eye for eye, and a tooth for tooth,” but no more (Ex. 20:25). You could do to your enemies only what they’d done to you. That was progress!
Now, there’s the Law of Love. When Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment…love one another,” it was a radically different approach. It meant you didn’t have to get even, you could choose to forgive instead. This new commandment demonstrates the unconditional, sacrificial love God shows to us – then calls us to live the same way!
Tags: Law, love
Pastor and author F. B. Meyer once confided to a friend that he felt welcome in any home in England except his own. His loveless marriage was a source of deep heartache. Yet Meyer believed that he, by his aching soul, was being prepared to give love and strength to others, and especially to his wife at the end of her days. He wrote these words to her:
If then your future life should need
A strength my love can only gain
Through suffering – or my heart be freed
Only by sorrow from some stain,
Then you shall give, and I will take
This crown of fire for Love’s dear sake.
Perhaps you also feel unloved. If so, don’t try to find love by befriending this world (James 4:4-5). Rather, give yourself to knowing and loving God. “He gives more grace” (v. 6).
Tags: F. B. Meyer, love
For the next week or so I’d like us think about the concept on love from God’s perspective.
Brandon Moody was once attending his uncle D. L. Moody’s church on Easter morning. The church was hosting an impressive Passion Play. The final scene in the impressive pageant was a depiction of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. The actor who was playing Jesus was being hoisted by stagehands through an opening in the ceiling.
When Jesus was halfway up, they lost their grip and down came the actor – thankfully uninjured. With amazing presence of mind, the actor jumped to his feet and said to the shocked congregation, “And one more thing. Love one another.”
Love was so important to Jesus that He told His disciples shortly before His arrest and crucifixion, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another…By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
Tags: ascension, humor, love
Today is the first Day of Christmas! Actually, the early church recognized 12 days of the Christmas season from Christmas Day (December 25) to Epiphany (January 5). The Greek Orthodox church had slightly different dates, but the concept was the same. During the 16th century there were some ugly holy wars going on in England between the Roman Catholic Church and its rival, the Episcopal Church. During that time many Christians had to go underground with their faith.
The song we know today as The Twelve Days of Christmas was an attempt to get children to learn scriptural concepts without exposing their faith. Or, an underground song with hidden meaning. Each day we’ll examine another verse in this song.
Day One: “On the first day of Christmas my True Love sent to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree“. God is our True Love. He sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus was born on Christmas Day. He was like a valued partridge in a tree bearing fruit.
No greater gift has ever been given but one that sacrifices Himself for us. Let’s celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas.
Tags: Christmas, incarnation, love