Breaking the Law


I submit that a man who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law. 
–Martin Luther King, Jr.


In Luke 10, there is a story we know as the story of the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ telling of this story is prompted by the “expert in the law” who asks Jesus: What must I do to inherit eternal life? Like any good teacher, Jesus asks a question back: What is written in the Law and the Prophets? And the answer comes quickly. Love the Lord your God . . . and love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27). What’s so hard about that?

I’m afraid sometimes Christians have become so caught up in the way Jesus walked through cities and towns blasting the religious leaders and healing folks often injured by those leaders, that we assume he has come to reverse what “the Old Testament God” taught. But that just isn’t the case. At all.

Remember when Jesus said Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law; I have come to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17)? This law, the one about loving God and loving one another. That’s the Law Jesus is referring to. That's the Law Jesus has come to fulfill.

And it seems fairly obvious, doesn’t it, that this law, loving your neighbor no matter what they look like, should be the only law in your life worth keeping. At all costs and no matter what.

Even if it might mean going against human laws. Do this—and live. This is what it means to be a follower of the Christ.

Monday It’s hot. Check in on someone you care about. Let them know you care. Offer to pray with them. Luke 10:23-24

Tuesday Caring for our neighbor really includes loving all Creation. If you have a birdbath, be sure the water is fresh. What else can you do to care? Luke 10:25-27

Wednesday Go outside today, or if it’s just too hot, draw near a window and spend some time just observing the variety of God’s creation (and of God’s children). Look closely. Pray deeply. Give thanks. Luke 10:28

Thursday Loving your neighbor takes many forms. Today, if you see someone in need, offer a sandwich or a cup of coffee or cool water. Let your heart be led by kindness. Luke 10:29-32

Friday It’s the end of the month. Are your resources stretched? Even if you have little for yourself, you still have much to offer. Today, offer a smile or word of hope-filled love. Luke 10:33-35

Saturday As we pray today for ourselves, simply rest and allow God to remind you just how deeply God loves you. Do you believe this message? Rest and pray until you remember what God’s love feels like. Luke 10:36

Sunday Is there someone new in your midst this morning as we gather for worship? Welcome them in Christian love, with a warm smile. Luke 10:37

It is better to risk saving a guilty man than to condemn an innocent one. --Voltaire

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