My challenge from the Lord: lean in and listen. While I want to read yet another book on the affections of Christ that draws me in devotionally, the Spirit has challenged me to lean in myself and write out what I am learning. Be brave.

Week One: Anchored in the Sermon on the Mount

Our Gospel readings were in Luke so I have been anchored in the “sermon on the plain” found in Luke 6. I am also reminded of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 and how that passage must remain fundamental in my life. It was good to read slowly through Luke 6 and be reminded of these Kingdom expectations:

Love
Mercy
Forgiveness
Generosity
Humility

Jesus doesn’t expect them of us in the “sweet by and by.” The Kingdom is now. the Kingdom is here. This is his expectation.

In a world filled with hate and greed and power, walk in love, mercy, and forgiveness. When culture around is all about being front and center on “platforms” in social media, or the media, or in people’s lives… Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom is the way of humility. We do not exploit the weaknesses of others. Rather, we confront our own weaknesses and learn to walk humbly with others.

The affections of Christ are discovered in the Word. If there is a “Lesson One” in all of this as I write and meditate this is the lesson: begin with the written Word and allow that to bring you to the Living Word.

Confront the expectations of Jesus and how you don’t line up. Be brave. In a world bent on violence, greed, and power… understand that is not the way of Christ. You are to be different now.

Soak in the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain. Allow the expectations of the Kingdom to penetrate your soul.

The soil of the written Word is vital.