Intended for royal duty – Service on Jan. 21

royal duty love

Intended for royal duty

Who is actually a good person?

When do you consider somebody a good person? Maybe you say: when he or she is honest, sensitive, cooperative, non-judging. We like it when people take responsibility, show love and care for others. But do you think that others see you as a good person? Maybe you have reasons to disagree with them, if they do!
Jesus’ teaching about who is a good (honest, righteous) person shocked the people in his days.

Surpassing goodness

In Jesus’ days rabbis (explainers and teachers of the law) made a lot of study of what it means to live a good life: what to avoid, what to do, how to fulfil your duties. And they practiced what they preached! They were keen on living an upright and holy life. But Jesus shocked the people, in particular his students, by saying: ‘Unless your goodness surpasses that of the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.’

Can you be a good (pure, responsible, righteous) person by ‘keeping to all the rules’? Several of Jesus’ contemporaries thought that they were able to achieve that. But Jesus indicated that they failed, because they missed the most essential in obeying Gods commands: humility and love. The two most important commandments in God’s Kingdom are: ‘Love the Lord, your God, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.’, and: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love always looks beyond the rules. It acknowledges the ‘spirit of the law’. Love is not satisfied with obeying the rules; rather it seeks to do well.

His law written in our heart

How is this ‘overflowing goodness’ possible? By our own means it is impossible. Who can say: ‘I am able to avoid even the slightest sign of envy, jealousy, bitterness or greed’? It is Jesus who is able to restore the love for God and for our neighbour in our life. He has sacrificed himself for it. If we repent from our old life and believe in him, He has intended us to become citizens in the kingdom of his Father. Not just subjects, even citizens in the position of king and queen! It is an honour and joy to live for Him and to express our love for the people around, because his law is written in our heart. Do you believe that He has destined you for royal duty as well?

Discover and hear more about Jesus’ teaching and why it is relevant for us today! Be welcome on Sunday, January 21!

Taste and see that God is good

In the service we read part of the Bible (this Sunday Matthew 5: 17-37) and we also celebrate the Holy Communion. The Holy Communion is a special celebration of what Jesus did for us. In HC we receive a piece of bread and a little bit of wine as signs of his broken body and shed blood. All who confess Him as their Saviour and Lord are very welcome to partake. If you are still unsure or searching to know God, you may come for a blessing, and we warmly invite you to ask for a personal prayer after the service.

 

Pastor Niek Tramper

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