Living in Harmony with Others

November 6, 2011


Background Scripture: Matthew 5:17 – 37
Lesson Passage: Matthew 5:17 – 26

Our lessons throughout the month of November will look at different passages taken from Matthew’s account of the Sermon on the Mount. Today’s lesson addresses the need to live in harmony with others in this world. The more years that pass by since the question was asked by Rodney King the more relevant his words appear to become. Can we all get along? He seemed to be no more than a typical alcohol or drug abuser who had been beaten by members of the Los Angeles Police Department. But the video of that beating was televised and it angered the community who lashed out with a riotous response and even attacked other innocent persons who were just driving through the neighborhood. But Rodney King’s response to the riot and public beating of other innocent persons was not one of acceptance or vindication. Rodney King simply asked the question: Can we all get along? Living in harmony with others—especially those who have noticeable differences—is not easy to do. Let me repeat that to be sure you don’t miss it: Living in harmony with others is not easy to do. In fact, without the power of God living in us, it seems all but impossible some times. This excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount starts out with an affirmation by Jesus that he had not come to destroy (or take away) the Law and the Prophets. Why would he say that? It is probable that Jesus stated his position because many Jews were tired of living under what they viewed as the burdensome requirements of the Holy Scriptures which occurred primarily because of their interpretation of those writings. People were looking for some relief. They wanted the standards relaxed if not altogether repealed. Since Jesus was teaching out among them during much of his ministry rather than primarily in the synagogue or the temple, perhaps this signaled that a new day had arrived and the burdens of the Law would be lifted? This would not be the case. The Law and the Prophets would remain, however—perhaps even better than they expected—Jesus would bear the burden of the Law and the Prophets for them if they were willing to place their trust in him and his work of redemption. The burden would not be destroyed or relaxed but Jesus offered himself as the burden bearer to all who would place their trust in him. After his statement of purpose, Jesus then properly described the real burden that was not being borne. The problem was not the actions of man but the condition of his heart. While men were burdened with avoiding certain actions and trying to do others, Jesus pointed out that the real problem was on the inside and not on the outside. Jesus then made a startling announcement: Murder, divorce, and, adultery are all side effects of a common problem. That problem is sin which lives in the heart of unregenerate and disobedient man. Jesus’ mission was not to teach people how to avoid certain actions and to always do others. Jesus came to remove the problem which caused wrong actions to be manifest. In accomplishing this, Jesus would become the fulfillment demanded by God’s justice as stated in the Law and the Prophets. Jesus would die to satisfy the righteous requirements of God as the just punishment for sin. Only then could man have his sin removed and receive the Spirit of God on the inside. It is the indwelling Spirit of God who empowers us to live in harmony with others.

Robert C. Hudson
October 25, 2011

Finding True Love

October 23, 2011


Background Scripture: Song of Solomon 4:1 – 5:1
Lesson Passage: Song of Solomon 4:8 – 16; 5:1a

There have been many songs written about finding true love outside of the realm of religion. For those who are my age or older, who could forget titles such as “Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places”, “Why do Fools fall in Love?”, and “Love on a Two-way Street”. Those songs reflected on the trials of those who were in pursuit of true love but somehow detoured down the wrong road and only found heartaches and disappointment. In fact, many songs outside of the area of religion lead listeners to the conclusion that true love is only a myth and not a reality. Over and over listeners are reminded that people are just out for themselves at the expense of others. The person who falls in love is bound to have their feelings trampled on by the one who is the very object of their affection. Of course in all of these cases love is spoken of as a romantic fulfillment. But even in an area as personal as romance the bible is not silent. Yes, the bible has much to say about agape’ or benevolent love but it also speaks concerning romance.

There is a love story in the bible. Better yet, there is a story of romance in the bible. The story shares with the reader dialog between two young lovers. They each speak at different times in the first person. Some passages of it are enough to make you blush as you peer through the poetic prose at its suggestive message. It doesn’t appear to be read by very many but if they knew what was in there, perhaps it would be one of the most read books in the bible. Of course I am speaking of Song of Solomon. Solomon wrote this beautiful prose as an expression of young love. It is properly placed in the poetic division of the bible along with Job, Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Its structure is poetic and many of its passages are mesmerizing. Sensuality is described as scenes from nature such as wildlife and plants. The language is enough to arouse one’s visual senses as well as sense of smell without becoming lewd or offensive. Just one glance was all it took to send her lover into a state of daydreaming. Her beauty is described using scenes of untarnished nature. The enclosed garden that is shut up is descriptive of fidelity. Finally, what was described as her garden with its bouquet of pleasing aromas, he now claims as his garden that he has entered to enjoy its fruits. Unlike the non-spiritual songs that often end with tales of disappointment, this song stands on the real possibility of true love that is enduring.


Robert C. Hudson
October 11, 2011

Growing Old with Wisdom

October 16, 2011


Background Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:7 – 12:14
Lesson Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10; 12:1 – 7, 13

Judgment Day is coming. That’s a sobering reminder. While we are moving through life, we should find time and the appropriate manner to pause and enjoy the life we are living. Don’t let the days of your life pass by with a cloud of depression or stress lingering over it every moment you are awake. There should be time for happy occasions—at least every now and then. After all, one day you will not wake up and this life will have ended the day or night before. But let your fun be moral and your relationships ethical for the end of this life is not the end of your existence. Judgment Day is coming. We will awake in a new existence and have to give an account of the deeds done in our bodies. So allow wisdom to be your guide through this life and into the next. This life is brief yet it sets the stage for eternity. The things in which we rejoice in this life are all fleeting. Youthful whims and childish fun times provide lifetime memories but nothing of substance that is lasting. Children should be allowed to be children and youth should be allowed to be youth while we are directing them towards maturity in other areas of their lives. They have a way of letting us know when they are ready to move on to the next station if we are patient counselors for them. We teach them about their creator and the need for God in their lives—especially during times of difficulties or difficult decisions. It is a joy to see them receive and understand these instructions while they are young so that we can be comforted in knowing that they have what they need for the long haul. One day our physical bodies will show the wear and tear of age if we are blessed with longevity. One day our eyesight will grow dim, our limbs will become feeble, our hearing will become dull, our hair will either fall out or turn gray, and our teeth will no longer be reliable. All of these are reminders that we have passed the Spring and Summer of our lives and we are into the Fall or Winter years of our life. The satisfaction of these years will be in knowing that we have lived lives that were wholesome when we were younger. We have been worshipers of God and helpers of our fellow man. Therefore, our living has not been in vain. We should then focus the more on being a counselor to others who come behind us. We will teach diligently those things we have learned so that those who will be admonished can live lives that are not in vain. Above all else, we will teach the fear of the Lord to all for therein is the beginning of wisdom. After all, Judgment Day is coming.


Robert C. Hudson
October 5, 2011