Jesus was a Radical

1 Thessalonians 5:15

I was never taught as a child that Jesus was a radical, in fact I was never taught this as a teenager or even in my late twenties when I entered into a personal relationship with Him.  But is it not amazing that one could miss that truth, His life on planet earth was extreme, and in fact you would not be going out on a limb, to refer to Jesus as an extremist.  Could it not be said about Jesus that He was a person with radical views on political, economic, and social issues?

Let us just deal with what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church through Paul, and it may be good to remember that Jesus told us the Holy Spirit only speaks what he hears from God the Father and the Son, John 16:13.  Tell me if you do not think that 1 Thessalonians 5:15 is a radical view in the world we live in?  “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”  Folks, that is a radical teaching, but it’s not a golden rule, it is a command; but to whom is it being addressed?  Before going there, look at and make sure you understand the Holy Spirit covers the waters, so to say, no one was excluded, there is no one left out of the mix.

I have not found this type of teaching in any other religion, and it is not directed at the world at large, no, it is a command to the Church.  And yet it is often ignored in the Church, but that is also why the Church is void of influence to the world that has watched its actions and they are not in keeping with the teaching of Jesus Christ.  Let’s take self-examination and see if we are in step with the teaching and commands of our Lord.  Matthew 5:44, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” A few of us may pray at times for our enemies, but folks it is impossible to love an enemy in your own ability, it requires Jesus to do it for you.  I wish he had stopped with just that command, but look at what we the Church, His Church, are to do: “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”  (Luke 6:35-36)

If you and I are going to be followers of Christ, we must become like our Master, and that means being seen by the world that is watching as an extremist.  It will not happen easily, it will cost you greatly, and you may lose all that is dear to you at this time.  But God will call you sons of the Most High, and your life will have eternal benefit to those who are hoping to see Jesus, for you will be a light, a very bright light in the present darkness.  As I read this to Jan, we agreed that we are far from obedience to this teaching, and we must ask the Holy Spirit to change our minds and our hearts.  For what is impossible with man is always possible with God.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice