O to be like thee, O to be like thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as thou art...
Old gospel chorus
I still remember singing that song as a child in the church I grew up in. We would usually sing it with eyes closed, focused on the savior and sincerely praying to be better than we were. The tune was really smarmy, as I remember. All in all though, the sentiment is valid. If you're striving to be like someone, I guess Jesus is a pretty good standard. Theologically, we call this process of becoming more like Jesus sanctification.
Of course, then you read the Sermon on the Mount, and you wonder if you ought to be careful what you wish for. " You have heard it said and eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I say do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other one also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give them your cloak also."
Now, this concept of an eye for an eye, for many people, illustrates what is wrong with the Old Testament. It seems angry, vindictive and vengeful. However, as one commentator says, it was meant to restrain vengeance. Vengeance is naturally disproportionate. The desire to get even usually goes beyond getting even, as people, blinded by their own rage, do more than get even. The Law of Moses wisely puts a limit on punishment--an eye for an eye.
But then here comes Jesus challenging us to go beyond the wisdom of the Law. He calls his disciples to steer clear of revenge, but also to let go of our quest for justice for ourselves. He calls his followers to be merciful. Love everyone, not just family and friends but even enemies.
Still want to be like Jesus?
I like Walter Wink's commentary in Powers that Be (copies in the WPPC library) on Matt 5: 48, “...be perfect...” Wink moves us from individual spirituality to group spirituality. Rather than seeking a personal error-free life, he suggests that we seek to include more and more people within our circle, just as God loves all of us as his children.
ReplyDeleteWink also has a fascinating commentary on verses 39-41 that Jesus shows us some creative non-violent responses to violence.
To be Jesus-like, it seems to me that we need to give up our egos. We tend to keep score, think that we know better than our neighbor, judge others in accordance to our own standards whether it be race, faith, appearance, intelligence, socioeconomic status or disagree with their interpretation of the world. To be Jesus-like, it seems like we need to give all that up to include everyone into our circle.
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