Works

Matthew 5:3-16

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Works

In this the third of the threefold teaching of Jesus ‘Salt, Light and Works’ Jesus is bringing a clarity to us regarding what it means to be: salt (have a distinct identity rooted in in His fulfilment of the Kingdom promise’, light (be the beacon of hope be: good news to the poor, captives, blind, oppressed; the proclamation the year of the Lord’s favour.) and thirdly, good works the putting into practice what has been taught in the word and deeds of Jesus. Here Jesus is instructing His disciples that we are not to be fans but followers and in the following, participate don’t just be present. Good works are gospel works: they are the physical, social (including the politico-economic), psychological and environmental acts that heal, restore and bring dignity to God’s creation. Good works are the evidence of our saltiness and light. It’s not just about belief and about internal attitudes about God.  Good works demonstrate the faith (obedience to the Word of God) and that we believe that Jesus has inaugurated the Kingdom of Peace. Good works are the practical expression that the Kingdom of God has come; this is the House set on a Hill and is as Isaiah 2: 1-4; good works described: the place, time and personal expression of God … It follows that good works can be separated from other works (name them as you will) that announce any other kingdom and act in rebellion to the reign of peace. Many speak about peace but the followers of Jesus must make peace. Isaiah 2:….

3   Many peoples shall come and say,

‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,

   to the house of the God of Jacob;

that he may teach us his ways

   and that we may walk in his paths.’

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,

   and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

4 He shall judge between the nations,

   and shall arbitrate for many peoples;

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,

   and their spears into pruning-hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation,

   neither shall they learn war any more.

Sadly, the history of the church demonstrates all too often that claiming the right values, attitudes and beliefs is not enough if they do not lead us to practice peace-making discipleship. Do we claim to have the right beliefs but they never empower us to be peacemakers? It’s time to do that spiritual inventory to assess if we are still meeting our needs our own way.