February 9, 2020

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for February 9th: Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 112:1-10, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, Matthew 5:13-20; Theme: a life that makes a difference Matthew: For the rest of Epiphany we will be looking at the lessons from Matthew 5. Jesus is using the lessons of Moses to teach us what it means to be a disciple of Christ. We are compared to salt and light. Salt is only important when it is applied to something else. Our actions are not about how we treat ourselves, but how we treat others. If we do not include others in our plans then we are not being a good Christian. Light is worthless within itself. Light illuminates other things and makes them shine. Jesus relates all of this to the ministry of Moses, by reminding us that as the messiah he is the fulfillment of everything that God said to Moses. That ministry is to do what is right for the world. To direct the rest of the world to what is right. The only way that we can get close to God is to be the salt of the earth – to be God’s representatives to help others. I Corinthians: Paul biggest point to the Corinthians is to make a distinction between the life of a Christian and the life of other people. Everything that Paul says revolves around Christ. Or Christ crucified, as Paul says. In chapter 2, Paul compares the wisdom of the world, with the wisdom of following Jesus. Wisdom was very important to the Greeks. Paul uses the definition of wisdom as a way to start a conversation about Christ. Wherever Christ is, so is the Holy Spirit. Paul says that it is the spirit that reveals God to the followers. Paul says that the wisdom of people and the wisdom of God are exact opposites. And God’s wisdom does not make sense to someone who lives in this world. When we listen to the spirit we have the opportunity to understand everything, but we may not be understood by others. Questions: How do you make your Christian light shine to others? How do you pursue the wisdom of God? What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?