I See Love


 As you look at this photo of a fire pit and table, you may be thinking about a great place for a barbeque or perhaps a weekend camping spot… but I see love.

The Bible tells of one occasion where a certain sect of religious leaders repeatedly attempted to trap Jesus by grilling Him with questions that would either discredit Him or cause His followers to rise up against Him. While it was certainly no picnic, Jesus nevertheless masterfully turned each question back on them, leaving them speechless. So, another group of “spiritual leaders” decided they might have better luck.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:34-40

Now, how can you argue with that? Although these religious leaders and experts in the law were out to get Jesus, He pronounced and demonstrated clearly what was most important – love. Oh, not the kind of sappy love you find in a Hallmark movie but the kind of love that is unconditional, sacrificial and perfect. That’s the kind of love Jesus had for those testing Him that day. That’s the kind of love He has for you and me today. And we too ought to genuinely love God (as our first love) and our fellow human beings (neighbors). If we were to live like that then there would be no reason to have any other laws… period! Everything else hangs on those two. They are not merely suggestions but they are instructions, commandments or divine law.

So, my challenge to you is this – quit trying to find fault in every word of Jesus but instead look for the true meaning in them. They will lead you to a life of contentment on earth, love for both creature and Creator, and eternal reward in heaven. Stop fighting Him and start following Him. He invites you to His table where you will be generously blessed.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:5-6)

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