5 May 2010
Psalm 72; Lev. 19:1-18; 1 Thess. 5:12-28; Matt. 6:19-24

Instructions regarding the commandments are given. Most of this material relates to how to love the neighbor. The issue and nature of social justice is taken up with respect to how to care for the least of these among us, including the poor, the deaf, and the blind. It was a law in the land that the edges of the fields not be harvested but rather left for the poor who had no land of their own. In addition, all the land reverted to the original owners every fifty years, so there should not have been permanent poverty among them. Ruth was one who benefited from the laws concerning the edges and gleanings of the field. Boaz allowed her to go behind his laborers and pick up the gleanings, that which they missed, and instructed them to leave a bit more. One of the principles embedded was the concept of what is justice, and it is don’t favor the poor or defer to the great, socioeconomics isn’t a basis for preference.

Jesus gives instructions on how to relate to worldly things. We are told not to store up treasures on earth for they are not eternal, but rather to store up treasures in heaven. Our value systems need constantly to be examined in order to keep them in line with God’s. Our attachment to things of earth tells us that we agree with God concerning His creation’s goodness even though we only experience it in its fallen state. Jesus never owned anything that we know of and his attitude towards these things should help us to know that those things that are eternal are the things that truly have value. His words concerning serving two masters are clear and from experience I know them to be true.

Paul’s attitude towards those among them whom he refers to as idlers is instructive. He has no use for someone who is able to work but will not and he does have value for someone who is willing to work. His instructions to them concerning their spiritual lives is no less important, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.” We are called to set our hearts on Him always and if we follow these instructions, we will see our values changes.

Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
who alone does wondrous things.
Blessed be his glorious name forever;
may the whole earth be filled with his glory!