Messy Perfection (2)

June 22, 2020

Scripture

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.  …. Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:38-43, 48 NRSV)

 Messy Perfection (2)

In February 2019 Susan suggested I write a book entitled “Falling Down Stairs – Step by Step Directions.” My credentials are a lightning bolt scar over my right eye from 13 stitches from body surfing down some stairs at high speed that year. The slide wasn’t so bad, but the sudden and complete stop at the bottom did the damage.

On the other hand, she certainly won’t suggest I write “Perfection, and How I Attained It”. Aspiring to be perfect in Jesus’ messy way is a lifelong opportunity. I mentioned last week that perhaps Jesus was laying down tracks for his followers to understand his response to his arrest, trial and execution.

In today’s section the parallels are striking

-          Do not resist an evildoer – Jesus offered himself to the mob for arrest

-          If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also – beaten, he remained quiet

-          Give your cloak as well – he went naked to the cross and they gambled for his clothes

-          Go also the second mile – force marched the cross to Golgotha – with some help.

-          Give to everyone who begs from you – “Today you will be with me in paradise” was his response to the thief who didn’t want to be forgotten.

This is perfection at its earthy and messy pinnacle. I am grateful Jesus wasn’t offering some step-by-step program to perfection – he offered his life for us – perpetrator and victim alike to remove our unjust life or our captive, needy one. He continues to offer us his presence to aspire to his messy perfection.

A Prayer for Today

Our Lord God, you know how it’s easier for me to tumble down the stairs than aspire to perfection. In these challenging moments where answers to our questions are either in short supply, or conflicting, grant me wisdom and power to exercise your grace in the midst of the day. You came into a world that was messy, embraced the mess and redeemed it – help me be a redemptive ingredient in this messy life.… . For Jesus’ sake