Putting my glasses in my shirt pocket I said to my barber, “Number four on top and finger cut on the sides.” Just then her cell phone rang. I didn’t mind as I waited. I enjoy the smells of a barber shop. With a “Good-bye” she turned to me and began giving me a four on the sides and finger cut on top. I didn’t say anything because it was too late and I was curious if she would ever catch on. She did and fortunately my wife likes it.
As I was thinking about my backward haircut I was reminded of the Sermon on the Mount. I think about the Sermon on the Mount a lot because it seems to be such a challenge. It is backward living from my normal impulses. When I get hit I want to hit back – harder. Jesus tells me I am supposed to “love my enemies.” I know. How could I have any enemies? I am such a nice guy! But I am a realist and know there are people who cannot stand me. When I think about them I don’t want them to prosper. But Jesus is powerfully emphatic about this very issue. I must pray for them and long for them to do very well. Being a real Christian is so very backward to my nature.
The last shall be first. The poor in spirit will inherit the Kingdom. It is no wonder Paul exclaimed about himself, “Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Praise God for the answer to his question. Romans 8, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 3, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org