Thoughts for another day

May 22, 2013.

Today's verse: Mt. 7:12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

As I sat by the church on the Mount of Beatitudes or the Mount on which it’s traditionally believed that Jesus delivered His sermon – Mt. chap. 5-7, I looked at the scenic panorama stretching for miles and then I looked at Him, the Man-God, sitting before the people who had come to Him with great expectation.  Many came for healing and some came to be restored; others had their own reasons but they came to Him.  They saw something in Him and they realised there’s Divinity here!  And as I sat there, I too saw something in Him – I saw a gentleness I’d never seen before.  I saw the look of love exuded from His face and realised, here is my God who loves me so much, He bends to take me in His arms and you know, I wanted to reciprocate His love…yet I couldn’t!

For remember, He said, if you love Me you will keep My Word. His Word is – love ye your neighbor.  And tell me I ask you, is it possible to love my neighbor who’s so caustic in his behavior; so rude and puts me off?  How then my Lord am I to love my neighbor, I asked Him.  He didn’t answer.  He went and said, ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’  I dropped my head sighing and it was a sharp jab as I heard, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do.’  ‘See, He prays for them’ I heard the repentant sinner on the cross to his right!  

The air was cold and crisp, but very comforting.  The wind blew gently and as I looked at the sea of Galilee beyond, I felt the waves were hanging on to every Word of His.  You see unlike us, they knew the time of His visitation, we didn’t.  He continued speaking and there were tears in my eyes as I saw His eyes on the Cross, they were beckoning me to come, be raised up; to listen, ‘Do unto others what you want done to you!’  This got to me and I gazed at Him.  His eyes faced mine and in them I saw His dismay for He knew I wouldn’t do that.  Like Peter, I sat down and shed bitter tears.  His hand rested gently on me, encouraging me.  He asked, ‘Do you love me?’  I was ashamed to look at Him but nodded with my head.  He said something beautiful…One day, you will do all I told you and you will be My ambassador to the nations as I send you to them with power and love.  Again I nodded.  There was silence.  For a while I didn’t know myself.  Then I realised, the significance of His Word.  I said a small prayer and thanked Him.  Yeah, I said, I will do unto others what I want them to do to me.  Amen Lord, to Your glory.