Monday, March 7, 2016

BEATITUDES

Mount of Beatitudes
This week we were at the Mount of Beatitudes in Galilee, Israel.  It stands on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, between Capernaum and Gennesaret.  It is the mountain where Jesus delivered His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapters 5-7.

It has been said that only half of learning is actually learning.  The other half is un-learning.  Like when you miss your exit on the highway.  For every mile you keep going in the wrong direction you go two miles to get back to where you were.

That's why it's twice as hard to un-learn something as it is to learn it.

When you study the teachings of Jesus you realize that learning didn't seem to be His primary goal.  He seemed to be more about un-learning.

To that end two phrases are repeated over and over in the Sermon on the Mount.  The phrases are:  'You have heard it said ... but I tell you.'

It's twice as hard to un-learn something as it is to learn it.

Jesus was uninstalling old patterns and re-installing new ones - upgrading - just like you'd do on your computer.

'You have heard it said, "Eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth."  But I tell you, "Do not resist an evil person.  If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn the other one also."'

'You have heard it said, "Do not commit adultery."  But I tell you, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."'

'You have heard it said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy."  But I tell you, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."'

It was those old patterns Jesus was trying to get them to un-learn that were keeping them from becoming who God wanted them to be.

What are your necessary areas of un-learning?  Where is Jesus trying to re-train you - update you - re-install new life patterns in you?

And be blessed.

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