The rabbis of Jesus’ day have not lost their impact on us 21st Century Americans.

Allow me to (hopefully) demonstrate.

They viewed hatred of another as tantamount to atheism. Makes sense, does it not? If we harbor hatred, how can we believe in God, let alone have Him within us? Murder was not just criminal; it was sacrilegious. Any interpretation of Scripture that led to justifying hate was illegitimate. Conversely (here’s grace), a loving interpretation of Scripture kills hate.

Glory (kavod) and Spirit (ruach) put the “crown of many crowns” upon the head of Jesus’ divine and immanent presence. The promised Messiah fulfilled all of the prophets and rabbi’s dreams. Jesus brought his perfect, God-given love into our midst. He was revolutionary, smashing into bits every sacred cow that the religious establishment had created. Mind you, the vast majority of it was man-made; interpretation that no longer had validity. Christ came to augment, abolish “the law”; anything that separated anyone from receiving the grace, love and mercy of God. This Good News, the new covenant in Christ Jesus, is offered freely. We are NOT to hate or perpetrate injustice upon anyone just because of what they believe (or don’t yet).

The Word of God is now alive and active among us mere mortals. We have full, free access to His love, His presence, His guidance. No sacrifice or mediary is necessary. Of course, this will always be a stumbling block between us and Roman Catholics. But nothing can or should hinder us from living as Christ would live – if he were us. Important distinction there! Jesus knows our every weakness; that we are incapable of fulfilling the law. We will sin, stumble, and grieve our Heavenly Father. So our price is to pay is still death. If we are in Christ Jesus, however, that seeming finality becomes merely a transition in the journey of life that will be resurrected.

This Good News is so astonishing, we sometimes hold it at arm’s length. Our sense of unworthiness betrays us; Satan keeps trying to get us believing his lies. May we steadfastly cling to the promised love of Christ, offering it to all we possibly can.

This unconditional love is for YOU. Read Luke 2:25-38  to experience the complete joy that the Promised One brings.

Pastor Art