THE NEW WAY OF CHRIST

Whenever we talk of something as being ‘new’, we are presupposing that before then, there was an old order, or there is an existing practice or system which is now being replaced by, exchanged with, or giving way to a better, expectedly more improved order.

There could be no better time than the beginning of a new year to compare our unenviable ‘old ways’ with our Lord Jesus Chris’s preferred ‘new ways’ or acceptable standards of doing things especially in our relationship with God and our fellow beings.

In Matt. 5: 21- 48, Jesus outlines and contrasts some examples of Jewish traditions and  practices which were considered acceptable in the light of Old Testament practices, but which under Christ’s new dispensation and modern teachings, are considered unacceptable.

For Christians, the old way, our futile struggle to do things according to our abilities and the letter of the law does not profit us; because unfortunately, it cannot surpass the righteousness level of the Pharisees.

Jesus summed up his preferred alternative, in those “You have heard . . . but I tell you” statements. Take for instance, the “Do not murder” commandment of the O.T. In Jesus’ interpretation, an act of murder has taken place unconsciously, when seemingly harmless acts of unforgiveness, built-up anger and bitterness are allowed to culminate into aggravated degrees of hatred. Nothing can be more murderous; especially when the ‘unforgiven offender’ is totally unaware that he/she is so spitefully detested or hated; or consciously in return, ignores his/her ‘hater’ altogether : a lamentable instance of double jeopardy.

So, Christ simply sets us an example of how to seek immediate practical resolution of such differences before they assume wider dimensions; rather than hiding behind our self-satisfying offerings or religious services. God cannot be mocked or deceived. So, Christ offers a new, win-win, easier and cheaper way of dealing with the problem: Forgive. Love unconditionally and unpretentiously . . . and just MOVE ON.

It was part of the old order, that Eli’s sons, who come from the priestly line, are the ones, whose birthright it was, to serve in the Temple. But because they acted unjustly, using their position for personal gain instead of service to the Lord, God decided instead, to choose Samuel, an “outsider”. Jesus also called fishermen and labourers to serve as disciples instead of the priests and prophets of Jerusalem. Throughout the Bible, God does not always choose the expected ones. Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and David were all unlikely choices. Power and position in the church or community do not guarantee a similar place in God’s world. Everyone, including outsiders, are given tasks in God’s kingdom. That is THE NEW WAY OF CHRIST .

Whichever of our old ways may have “seemed right in our eyes” until now, and given us a false taste of enjoyable goodness, like the guests in Cana of Galilee, we reached our farthest end and came to an abrupt end on 31st December, 2017. Jesus’ first miracle of the new year, (John 2:1-11) offers a new wine of unlimited riches of God’s Grace and shows us ‘the new way of doing business’ with God; in the NEW YEAR, 2018.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK !!!