October 26, 2019

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. - Romans 5:10

In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus asks us to love our enemies, and we try to obey, but sometimes think it a hard call or hard task.

In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus asks us to love our enemies, and we try to obey, but sometimes think it a hard call or hard task.

In our key verse, we see the perfect example of his request; Himself.  We hear wartime stories where soldiers on one side have shown mercy to someone on the other side who would be considered a mortal enemy. In doing so, some have even risked their lives to save those enemies. Due to the pathetic circumstances the enemies found themselves in, and the mercy of those on the other side, adversaries were reconciled. Where do they find the courage to sacrifice themselves like that — particularly for an enemy?   Most of us don't see ourselves as enemies of anyone. We may not get on with some people as much as others, and we may think of other people as our enemies, but we don't think of ourselves as their enemies. If we asked the general population if they had enemies, most would say, "No, not to my knowledge. I get on with most people." When it comes to God, we certainly wouldn't think we were ever His enemies. We might say we didn't believe in Him, but certainly not an enemy. Heck, we'd say, "I can't be an enemy, I haven't even met Him." Yet, here is scripture stating that Christ died for us when we were God's enemies. Before being saved, we were God's enemies. Many people in their unsaved state have mocked God, HIs people and His laws, often inadvertently, not meaning it. Then again, many have voted purposefully against righteousness, preferring instead the legislation of sin; not realising they have positioned themselves literally as enemies of righteousness and therefore of God.  As we read the historic battles in the Bible, we see that the enemies of God always lost. We would also lose and be bound for Hell. God desires reconciliation, which can only happen according to God's prescribed pattern; the death of His Son for all humanity, and our faith and belief in Him. The taking of His life saved our lives. If not for that Son, our destruction is/was imminent like the other biblical enemies. let us rejoice in that and keep ourselves reconciled with God.  Today’s Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder of exactly where i was. Please help me to never forget it. It is hard for me to imagine I was your enemy, but clearly I was. Sorry for that, but thank you for the death of your perfect Son, Jesus, who allows us all to be reconciled to you.