I'm moving this up in light of a conversation I had with some new friends in Springfield this weekend. The conversation just made these thoughts so fresh in my mind and heart again. I read this post when I returned home and wanted to revisit it.
How would you guys, if you can, describe in as few of words, what was Jesus's message to us, as to how to live in this new Kingdom of Heaven that He spoke of as being present with His arrival?
I know we can't possibly with the limitations of our little minds answer that in full. But try to tell me what it looks like to you.
Here is a paradigm shift for me. I read this the other day and it just blew me away. It brought some clarity to me. One of the things I feel Father has brought front and center to me is this idea of JUSTICE. The meaning I have lived with most of my life and with the twist society and even RELIGION puts on it has just confused me. When I heard this a lot of the confusion was cleared up. Justice seems to be about something other than punishment.
This quote is taken from: http://timneufeld.blogs.com/occasio/
"Martens did a masterful job of defining the Hebrew word for justice, mishpat. In western society we have come to understand justice as something we receive (I am a victim, I demand justice) or we dispense (he was convicted and justice was served). But mishpat could best be defined as "honorable relations." Justice is something that we do in relationship with others. It is active not passive. The goal is shalom -- not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of harmony in relationships. What might a country look like if it practiced this kind of justice?"
That sounds more like what I see Jesus showing us through His life and message. The message of reconciliation and peace make sense in light of this.
Since I first posted this here back in the summer, this whole idea of living justly as God would want me to, has just captivated me. When I started actively thinking about this, it touched every area of my life. It is changing the way I live with everyone around me.
If we desire to live this life in the kingdom of Heaven that is here at hand, I believe living justly is of utmost importance. If justice means "Honorable Relations" the goal is that we learn to live with everyone around us this way. Issues of control and manipulation must go. It should effect the way I live with my wife, my children, co-workers, those that my path crosses everyday, my friends and yes, even those that might want to do me harm. Isn't this the message of Jesus?
I am so grateful this transforming work had begun in me with what this past year has brought. It has helped show me how to live, especially with my children. They are not mine to control and manipulate to get what I want out of them or for them, no matter how good it might look. I'm learning to trust Father with them. He knows how to mold them into what He desires.
I JUST GET TO LOVE THEM, COVER THEM WITH GRACE, AND GUIDE THEM and at the same time, LEARN TO LIVE IN HONORABLE RELATIONS WITH THEM. I believe this is the way of internal transformation, not only for my children but for you and I also. This change is real. Conformity to authority can fool us.
6 comments:
Kent - this is good stuff.
I agree - very good stuff. I appreciate being made aware of this and will enjoy seeing how the Lord applies the true definition of justice in my life. Much to ponder. Thank you.
Laurie (in New Mexico)
laurie, since I read this on Tim's blog earlier this year, it has been a big part of some big changes in my life. It started to clear up so many conflicts in my head and heart.
It has made me rethink our judicial system and why we use the term justice when speaking of it. There is way too much injustice created by our legal system to call it a system of justice.
This idea of justice being honorable relations makes the whole gospel make more sense to me. The whole message of reconciliation is about right relations with God through Christ and then a restoring of relationships with those around me.
Thinking about scriptures in the OT, God always seemed to make a big deal about just weights and measures and of course I couldn't help but think of the scripture in Micah 6:8 -- "He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?"
Understanding the meaning of the word justice brings it all together and reveals the heart of God in all of this. Thanks again. I'd love to see you post this on the GJ forum and see where it goes.
Laurie (NM)
Kent,
Thanks for bringing this to us...God has also been inundating me with desire to know and live justice in each moment of the day. This is helpful in moving me along the journey.
barry linville (was in Springfield on Saturday night)
thanks for stopping by Barry. This issue has touched every area of my life this year. i am amazed at how He has been faithful in begining to answer my prayers about how to see this a reality in my life at home and in the world.
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