Lessons to Live By预览

Living Generously

The Book of Exodus outlines both the birth of Israel as a nation and the giving of the Law that sets out the constitution under which it was to be governed. These were the civil, ceremonial and moral codes that made the people of Israel different from other nations at that time, some 3,500 years ago. It is difficult, if not impossible, for us to fully comprehend and appreciate the beauty and value of these ‘archaic’ laws for Israel when viewed from our so called ‘enlightened’ wisdom in the 21st century.

Instead of hearing the stern voice of Moses ‘The Law Giver’, listen to the firm and reassuring tone of our Father God. When Jesus said – ‘My sheep hear my voice’, I believe that He also meant that we also hear ‘the tone of His voice’. 

And so, for example, in the verses above, God is instituting for the Jews a life of moral responsibility and fairness where it is ‘only an eye for an eye and only a tooth for a tooth’. We, on the other hand want to take the situation to another level altogether and inflict a whole lot more retribution. 

Jesus takes these commandments to another level again when He says – ‘Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously’ (Luke 6:27–31). This new radical way of living prescribed by Jesus is counter cultural, unnatural and impossible, until we take His words to heart and ask Him to empower us to represent Him in this mission.

Written by JOHN SCOTT