Author: Dave Dishman (Page 327 of 459)

In reading through the book of Matthew this last few weeks, a disconcerting phrase continues to appear—weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jesus uses the phrase 6 times in Matthew (8:12; 13:42 & 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30), as well as in the book of Luke (13:28). That’s a lot of repeats. I wonder, why did Jesus emphasis this point, and how do I avoid that fate?

Without an exhaustive study of these passages (which I hope to do later), I notice a couple of things.

First, reasons for being cast into a place of weeping and gnashing involve rejecting faith in the Messiah, and using people for you own ends. Jesus refers to evil, ungrateful, wicked people headed to a place of weeping and gnashing.

Second, choices lie dead ahead. A door in our future awaits, opened based on our faith in Jesus and whether we treat the people God puts in our path with respect and compassion. Or, the door stays shut.

To quote Jesus, Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

I hear the messaging from all around saying that it’s all ok, do your thing, God loves you and will accept you regardless of how you live. I notice people consumed with life in the here and now, convinced that a conscious eternity is merely a figment of religious imaginations.

But you simply cannot read Jesus and reach these conclusions. Jesus draws lines in the sand: Follow me. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

These markers aren’t hints—Jesus lays down commands. And the mentions of weeping and gnashing of teeth are not only metaphor, but beacons warning of things to come.

I’m of a mind to pay attention.

Matthew 25 in week thirty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Michael Krahn

As Micah prosecutes the Lord’s case against Israel, he explains what the Lord does not need more of—burnt offerings, rivers of olive oil, first-born children. In other words, items of wealth and power, things one might give away to prove devotion.

Micah calls—what does the Lord require of you? Then responds—to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Jesus echoes Micah when addressing the Pharisees—you give a tenth of your spices…but you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness…(Matthew 23:23)

These warnings weren’t rejections of religious practices. Paying attention to Biblical commands remained important then, just as it does today. However, many only carried out motions of empty religiosity, and the Lord rejected such vapid devotion.

Instead of strengthening my pious reputation, the Lord asks me to soften my heart.

Act justly. To care about the injustices in the world, to speak up when possible, to try to feel the pain and frustrations experienced by others as they face injustice. I’m not always sure how to put this in practice from my suburban existence, but I can ask the Lord to show me.

Love mercy. To show kindness. To reveal compassion or forgiveness toward others when I have it in my power to punish. Where might I freely and willingly give grace? How might I notice and enjoy the mercy I see in others? To seek out merciful people.

Walk humbly with your God. Consciously consider, and ruminate upon, who I am and where I stand in relation with the Lord. Realize that every good thing comes from the hand of the Lord. Remember that I’m merely made from the dust of the earth, while God spoke that dust into existence. Try to exercise a spirit of humility.

Simple, right? Of course not. Challenging. Counter-cultural. Deeply needed.

When I see and experience the world swirling around me, and I don’t know how to respond, I can double-down on these words—justice, mercy and humility. A life leaning in this direction serves to build, not destroy, and leads us to better places.

Micah 6 in week thirty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Jon Tyson

We are getting new window blinds in our house next week, a host of tangled cords and broken mechanisms leading us to replacement. My wife (sensing the frugal thoughts spinning up in my head) informed me that the old blinds worked for 23 years, quite an excellent record, and nothing lasts forever.

What does last forever? Stupid things posted in the internet last forever. That extra doughnut shoved in my mouth lasts forever—“a minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.” Various meetings I sit in seem to last forever.

But really, none of these last forever. Someday the internet will morph, or fade away, or blow up in a cataclysmic explosion. I’ll carry that extra fat to the grave, thankfully no one inherits that possession. Meetings, and jobs, and careers all close.

What lasts forever? In a sermon about the end of days, Jesus underscored—Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Three things last forever—God, human souls, and the words of Jesus.

That’s all.

I’m reminded that as you and I consider the long-term investment of our lives—our time, talent, energy—these form the building blocks of a good portfolio.

Matthew 24 in week thirty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Sincerely Media

When Jesus says of the Pharisees—everything they do is done for people to see—I think of our world of selfies and flattering pictures and showing everyone my good side (every time Jesus speaks to the Pharisees I pay attention—more there in common than I care to admit).

How much do I do just to be seen by others?

Jesus excoriated the Pharisees not for their fashion sense, but rather for their pridefulness and virtue signaling. They presented themselves as the most religious of religious people. They coveted the best seats at church, and like peacocks, swelled with respectful greetings around town.

I notice in the realm of social media that looking good, saying the right things, and supporting the popular causes often substitutes for careful thought and helpful debate (I’m pretty sure no one can have a reasoned debate over social media). Rather, if I just click the right button and show the world I’m an advocate, I can skip on to the rest of my day, looking righteous, but caring little.

Jesus hammered this type of grandiose, self-important commitment when applied to the Lord, and turned it upside down—For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Exalting myself feels so right, and all the messaging encourages me in this direction. Jesus, however, points to another way.

Worth a look.

Matthew 23 in week thirty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Ricardo Frantz