Become a Future Citizen

Summer at last is over, and the mental, organizational, and schedule gears are grinding and churning as the crank back up to semester speed.

A thought from yesterday’s sermon:

Jesus’ authority through his word is doing in the “inner man,” the soul, the “deep structures” of a person what his earthly ministry to did to sickness, storms, and demonic possessions.

The Sermon on the Mount ends with the crowds “amazed at his teaching” because he had authority. This authority was not just that he spoke in an authoritative voice, but that he spoke as the King over the hearts and lives of all people.


Then he proves this authority:

• He heals a leper who says to him, “if you are willing…”
• He heals the centurion’s servant with a word, marveling at how the centurion recognizes his authority
• He rebukes the wind and waves, leaving the disciples astounded, “who is this man that even the wind and waves obey him?”
  

What is the common denominator to his authority? In every case, Jesus is showing glimpses of the New Creation. The healed sick are roadway signs of what is coming down the road in the future when there will "be no more sickness". The sea is calmed to give a foretaste of everlasting rest. And what is happening in nature – the turning a chaotic storm to glassy serenity—and sickness—the turning writhing pain to humble rejoicing—is also happening whenever disciples submit to the authority of his word in the Sermon on the Mount and obey it.

When we obey we are not just following rules and regulations of Jesus. We are becoming a new creation.

And if you have ever seen Christians who model the Sermon on the Mount, you get a glimpse of the wonder that creation holds.