Fulfill the Law

Jesus said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:17-20 

Sitting here in Fairbanks working on leadership training. Our goal is to raise up Native leaders in many places across the diocese. We are starting simple, teaching folks to take worship and pastoral roles in their local communities. We are taking folks step by step, making the units small enough pieces to build confidence and practice. Love, the fulfillment of the law, encourages us to share all we have, including the skills and gifts, so that others can thrive and lead. 

Jesus teaches his disciples about living out love beyond the rules.Love's rules are much harder than what we have inherited. It is not simply that we can't covet, or murder, but that we are expected to carry one anothers burdens, live as servants of the poorest among us and live humbly with all people.

Today, as we begin this profound work I ask God to help us work together in the service of others. May we live simply beyond the rules, living as a humble servants of the living Creator who is love incarnate.