Love Letter

 

 

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

 

Jesus spoke to large crowds filled with disciples, curiosity seekers, and opponents.

Jesus did not change His message based on who was in the crowd. His expectations were the same for those who followed Him and those who would not.

I remember hearing teaching that the Bible is God’s “love letter,” written to His people. The point was made that it is for Christians. No one else would understand it or be able to follow it, and to expect them to was foolishness on the part of Christians. At the time, I believed them.

I still understand that the Lord left us, His people, the scriptures so we would be well informed about who He is and what he expects of us. This is a loving gesture.  No Christian can claim ignorance of His Law- at least in America where you can find a Bible anywhere.

Today, we want to limit the kingdom of God to His people. He has planted Himself in our hearts and, though we may touch the lives of a few others, we seem to think that His kingdom is limited by the work we do in evangelism.

God’s Love letter says something different. It says His kingdom is in our midst. (Luke 17:21).  Matthew 13:41-42 say, ”The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,  and throw them into the fiery furnace. ” Obviously, this verse is talking about His kingdom on earth, as there will be no sin in heaven. God will come in judgment against those who do not follow Him.

How are these “law-breakers” to know of this judgment if Christians do not speak of it or act like it is for everyone?

Jesus talked of judgment (John 8:16). Paul taught about judgment (2 Timothy 4:1). Peter and all of the disciples understood the need to continue this teaching so people would see Christ as King. Kings make the Laws.

God made everything.  He set the rules for everything; biology, chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, government, family, marriage, the church, and even friendship. He leaves nothing to us.

God’s Word is a love letter. His Law conveys love for all (Psalm 119:124), in common grace. Everyone, believer and unbeliever, who lives by His Law will live in peace insofar as we live by His Word.  When we claim that God does not rule all of life, that he is the King of only Christians, we deny others peace and the possibility of eternal life.

Paul said, “And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:3)

As God’s messenger, Paul wanted His letters to be read out loud. Also as God’s messengers, whether we are speaking to disciples, curiosity seekers, or opponents – are we willing for God’s “love letter” in us to be read out loud? To the whole crowd?