Sleeping on a post . . .
I had a post all ready to go last night. It wasn't very cheery or upbeat. I was feeling pretty low at the time. This is part of the struggle with depression. Evenings for me are particularly difficult. I just sit there in front of the TV or computer and veg.. Not good. Even worse? Writing a blog late at night. I was mad, sad, disappointed, frustrated, discouraged . . . you name it. While I'm on the right track to changing things in my environment, I had experience a couple set backs and I wanted to lash back.
But I didn't. I slept on it and deleted it this morning. And I'm glad I did.
"Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
Such is my prayer as I blog.
Sunday's Gospel reading in the Historic One-Year lectionary was part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-26). Jesus tells His hearers that those who hate their brother, call him names, or insult him are guilty of breaking the 5th commandment. When relationships go bad there is so much attention paid to obeying the 8th commandment and following the prescriptions of Matthew 18 that the 5th commandment and Matthew 5 are trod under foot. One must examine their motives and their actions and repent of ill will, a slanderous tongue, and the disastrous thoughts we have toward those with whom we do not get along.
Jesus reminds us that we are not above the Law. If we are not condemned by the Law, if it does not apply to us, then neither are we comforted by the Gospel, neither does it apply to us. Jesus teaches us the spirit of the Law and proclaims to all of us that we need His righteousness and forgiveness.
Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. All of God's prescriptions and all His rules are fulfilled in Jesus. All the Messianic Prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. They will not pass away until they are accomplished. Neither will God's Word of Gospel and peace. God's promises of forgiveness for Jesus sake will never pass away nor will they be abolished. They will be fulfilled in their being given to you.
"Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
Dear Lord, preserve me from lips and fingers which lash out in a curse. Forgive me for my impetuousness and renew my soul that I may rejoice in the righteousness of Christ by which all you children enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
But I didn't. I slept on it and deleted it this morning. And I'm glad I did.
"Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
Such is my prayer as I blog.
Sunday's Gospel reading in the Historic One-Year lectionary was part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-26). Jesus tells His hearers that those who hate their brother, call him names, or insult him are guilty of breaking the 5th commandment. When relationships go bad there is so much attention paid to obeying the 8th commandment and following the prescriptions of Matthew 18 that the 5th commandment and Matthew 5 are trod under foot. One must examine their motives and their actions and repent of ill will, a slanderous tongue, and the disastrous thoughts we have toward those with whom we do not get along.
Jesus reminds us that we are not above the Law. If we are not condemned by the Law, if it does not apply to us, then neither are we comforted by the Gospel, neither does it apply to us. Jesus teaches us the spirit of the Law and proclaims to all of us that we need His righteousness and forgiveness.
Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. All of God's prescriptions and all His rules are fulfilled in Jesus. All the Messianic Prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. They will not pass away until they are accomplished. Neither will God's Word of Gospel and peace. God's promises of forgiveness for Jesus sake will never pass away nor will they be abolished. They will be fulfilled in their being given to you.
"Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)
Dear Lord, preserve me from lips and fingers which lash out in a curse. Forgive me for my impetuousness and renew my soul that I may rejoice in the righteousness of Christ by which all you children enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
posted by Companion on the Way at 11:37 AM
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