Tough Stuff

1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12: 22-50

In the tenth chapter of 1 Chronicles the death of Saul is recounted. Saul while losing a battle, after having lost his three sons and after having been wounded by his enemies arrows, asks his armor bearer to kill him. He does this because he does not want to be killed by those he considers to be unworthy. His armor bearer refuses to kill him so Saul takes his own life and falls on his own sword. After he seeing this Saul's armor bearer also falls on his sword. In Chapter 12 of the book of Matthew Jesus continues with strong-worded and challenging teaching. He speaks on topics such as unforgivable sin, evil spirits and family.

Both of these passages continue to display how very real and serious God is. There is no messing around when it comes to dealing with and living for God. Sometimes some of the passages such as the ones I am studying today tend to get avoided because they are unpleasant and awkward. They are tough to swallow. Although Saul's death appears to be a noble death to preserve his heritage and legacy, a closer look at the passage reveals what is really behind his death. 1 Chronicles 10: 13,14 says, "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse." Whether Saul took his own life or was killed by his enemies becomes inconsequential when I look at the real reason that he died. He turned from God and did not obey Him. So God took his life. At least God does not do that anymore...right??? It is so easy to, as I mentioned yesterday, worship and serve a God who fits in our box. But what about when he doesn't? This is why we cannot keep God in our parameters. He doesn't fit! We are asked to serve and to love God. That means the same God who killed Saul for disobedience and the same God who offers us grace and the same God, because he is God, who has the right to take life because of disobedience if he chooses to. It is time to sit up and take notice. In Matthew 12 Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is here and we better wake up and pay attention. Jesus begins to teach of an unforgivable sin. Surely there isn't a sin that God wouldn't forgive...after all that is why Jesus came to earth. I wonder if Saul didn't think surely God wouldn't take my life because I didn't obey him exactly. Saul paid the price. Maybe I don't think it is right or fair that there is an unforgivable sin. Maybe I don't understand why this would be the case. Maybe that does not matter. Jesus is not here teaching about the way that is easy and smooth. Jesus is not here saying follow me in my democracy. Jesus is teaching that he is the way and the truth and the life and we had all better sit up pay attention and give him the respect he deserves.

This is not easy stuff to read. It makes my stomach churn. I begin to think how lazy I can become in service to God when in fact there is nothing to be half-hearted about. This Jesus guy is really for real. His teachings equal the truth. I must start giving him the respect he deserves. My faith in Jesus must be enough for me to say that I trust that he is right and that my life is really in his hands. This is tough stuff. following Jesus is not for the lazy, half-hearted and disinterested. However, Jesus is for everyone. He loves everyone enough to save them from eternal punishment and he loves everyone enough to be straight with them. He lays it out and it is up to me to choose to listen to what he has to say. So that is what I am choosing today!

Dear God,

You don't make this easy. But I guess you never said that you would make it easy. Lord, you have been gracious enough to give me an opportunity to spend eternity with you. I guess I have no right to complain that what you ask is too hard or unfair. I have responsibility and now in fact a growing desire to listen to what you say and to take you seriously. There is nothing more important in life than following you. I hear what you are saying in these passages. I was bold enough to pray for understanding now I must be brave enough to turn understanding into living. Lord, I ask that you will help me to listen to you not only with my ears but with my life. Speak, teach and guide me I pray.

Amen.