Mastery of the Word!

In my daily reading and devotion, I ran across the scripture, But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only few find it" (Gospel of Matthew 6:14).

I have taught on this scripture before and it still astounds me that Jesus was not speaking to the masses that did not know him, but his own people who had received him. As I continue to grapple with this text, if I place it in context of life by definition, a life that is fulfilled, purposeful, and meaningful--A God kind of life. I must deal with the possibility that he was referring to believers and that few will ever enter into the "fullness of life." That is in keeping with Thoreau's observation, "the masses of men lead lives of quiet desperation."

But what does this all mean? We are all capable of having the fullness of all that life has to offer. Jesus stated, "...I have come that you may have live and have life eternal" (Gospel of John 10:10b). But, we have a choice to enter into the fullness of all that God is...

This past Sunday, I dealt with the notion of Mastery. Jesus could do the works that he did, because he had mastered the teachings of the word. Jesus was a master of the universal and spiritual laws of life. We will not ever be able to walk in the fullness of life if we do not master the principles and the universal and spiritual laws of the Word of God.

This idea of mastery suggest a completely different level of commitment and dedication to our Lord and God. Mastery is something that I have to give myself totally to and become nothing more than a vessel. "I must decrease and he must increase.." John the Baptist stated. Mastery suggest the giving of time, talent and treasure to God and the things of God in our lives.

Perhaps few ever find this path because it does take a lot of energy and time. After all in post modernity we have so many responsibilities and commitments to fulfill. To master the things of God would mean a committing to something greater than myself to become something or someone I am not exactly sure of.

I have discovered, church life is relatively easy compared to mastery of the word of God. The commitment to being a "good Christian" is noting compared to mastering the truths of scripture.

I share all of this because it goes back to the basic premise that I continue to preach and teach, we are supposed to be changing the world! Jesus, shared, "If you have faith in me you will be doing that which I have done and even greater things..." (Gospel of John 14:12).

We cannot change the world if we are continuing in our "insanity" of doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Live with Faith and Power and Create a Phenomenal Life!

Rev. Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, IL