Jezebel and her husband Ahab were a wicked pair. After Jezebel had Naboth killed, Ahab went ahead to take possession of Naboth’s vineyard. This did not sit well with God. The pair would pay a steep price, indeed. Upon hearing of his punishment, Ahab repented. Read what happens to this couple.
In the Gospel reading today, Jesus throws down the gauntlet on us. “Love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
This whole Christianity thing is a very tough gig. I can almost hear Jesus asking, “Do you think this is supposed to be easy?” Do you think that what Jesus did on Good Friday was easy? So many of the principles that Jesus teaches go against our grain. It certainly takes a lot of hard work. Like anything worthwhile, it takes practice, diligence and persistence. But the benefits are eternal.
Father, you know how difficult it is for us to practice the teachings of Jesus. Help us today to be perfect, as you are perfect. Amen.
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