Mark 12:34
"34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask Him any question."
This is what we call a MIC DROP!
The act of intentionally dropping your microphone at the end of a speech or performance, displaying a bold confidence that it has been very impressive or CANNOT BE TOPPED! "And, there were no further questions."
Jesus and the scribe both have recited The Shema. They agreed that loving GOD and our neighbors is better and more acceptable to God than all rituals and ceremonial law. This is great praise from Jesus; "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." This scribe had an intellectual hold of the concept of The Shema but he had never followed them out to their conclusion with actions. Saying The Shema is one thing, living it is ANOTHER thing entirely.
How many of us try to have our lives guided by The Shema? Isn't it easier to maintain a hazy, lazy half-belief that will never effect the practical issues in our lives. How many of us are on the edge of surrendering to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? We know The Shema but just can't seem to live it. So, we are like this scribe ‘Not far from’ but still ‘outside' and we know it.
Why don't we go over the edge? There are two main challenges that keep us from making our knowledge of The Shema into actions; procrastination and a lingering love of this world. Two things that really typifies our culture today. Our challenge then is to reach out to our neighbors. To LOVE our neighbors. Do the work to let them experience our love. So that our actions has value in their eyes. All the while we take time and make time for God.
It's not easy.
Please join us at one of the oldest Lutheran Churches in the region! It is beautiful! An old stone building with vibrant stained glass everywhere you look. And, ornately carved wood altar and flying pulpit! It is an amazing sight to behold. And, the people are VERY friendly and welcoming. The Pastor's are outstanding and outgoing. We look forward to seeing you in worship.
https://holyghostfbg.org/
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