You'll Be Amazed!

Daily Reading: Matthew 7

Scripture Focus: So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7.12)

Devotional Thought: When Jesus finished preaching the Sermon on the Mount, people went away amazed.  And, even when we’ve read it a hundred times or more, this sermon still gives us something to “chew on” and to strive for.  We could live the rest of our lives seeking self-improvement based on the teachings of Jesus in these three short chapters.

About midway through the chapter, Jesus makes a statement that seems somewhat disjointed, though: “In everything do unto others what you would have them do to you" (NIV).  This is known as “The Golden Rule.”  It may seem unrelated to the verses around it, but really, I believe it holds the key to living out the Kingdom of God in relationship with others – one of the main concerns of this sermon.

Think about it.  Jesus talks about murder and anger and showing contempt.  Would you want someone showing anger or contempt toward you?  Of course not.  Then show them patience and dignity.  Jesus talks about adultery.  The key to keeping your marriage strong is to treat your spouse like you want to be treated.  He talks about revenge.  Don’t you want people to forgive you?  Then forgive them.  Jesus goes on and talks about religious pride.  Do you enjoy seeing others show off their spiritual superiority in order to make themselves appear better than you?  No?  Then don’t do that to others!  He talks about judging others.  Who wants to be judged by someone?  Not me!  Then I should not judge others.

Are you living by the Golden Rule?  Try it today.  You'll be amazed!

Prayer: Lord, when I deserved judgment and death, you offered me forgiveness and life.  Help me to be as generous and merciful as you.  Help me to live by the Golden Rule.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 81.8-16

8 Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me!

9 There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god.

10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 "But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.

12 So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.

13 Oh, that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes.

15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe toward him, and their fate would last forever.

16 But he would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."