October 29, 2022 — If You Say It, Live It
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” Matthew 7:24-29
“While Nike® may have the trademark on the phrase “Just Do It!”™ Jesus certainly said it enough to claim original authorship of the concept. He was adamant: The primary purpose of his teaching is not for philosophical enlightenment, or for intellectual musings, or even just for Bible class discussions. The primary goal of his teaching is to help people understand what the will of God is and then do it. (heartlight.org; What Jesus Did! ‘Do It!’; Matthew 7:24-27)
“The truth is always in the minority, and the minority is always stronger than the majority, because as a rule the minority is made up of those who actually have an opinion, while the strength of the majority is illusory, formed of that crowd which has no opinion — and which therefore the next moment (when it becomes clear that the minority is the stronger) adopts the latter’s opinion, which now is in the majority.” (Kierkegaard The Journals of Søren Kierkegaard, 1850s)
The philosopher Kierkegaard says something true (if not a little confounding): the way the truth finally defeats the false is in the strength of the words of those who speak the truth, even if they are in the minority. This is why we are people of “the Word” Jesus and not following the teachings of the Pharisees and Scribes. Jesus and his disciples were among the minority, but through time his words proved to be words of life, not death. And Jesus’ deeds and his actions matched his words. He lived the words which he preached. He lived the life of the servant, serving others, not needing to be served, and the people knew he meant what he said – and thus it gave him authority.
If you live your life recognizing the authority of Jesus’ words and commands, then you will live a life that is built upon the rock of Jesus – the truth that makes us all wise.
Let us pray,
Lord Jesus, help me today to hear your truth and make it a part of my regular daily routine. I want to do your will and honor you for the great love you have for me and for all that you have already done for me. Amen.
Pastor Dave
Lutheran Schreff 