In The Same Measure

"And He was saying to them, "Take care what you listen to.  "By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides" (Mark 4:24).

Hey Gang, the last morning message focus was on forgiveness.  The focus of Matthew 6:14-15 is the need to forgive others.  But I sense God is giving us another truth that we need to heed, that being that God responds to us in like manner to the way we respond.  Let me put some meat on that thought.

In Matthew 6: 14-15 there is no question that God is telling us we need to forgive our brothers, sisters and even our enemies.   Why? Because forgiveness is one of the cancerous diseases that spreads and places us in bondage unable to hear the voice of God.  When there is unforgiveness in a marriage, the seeds of its demise have been planted.   There is no question that unless we take heed what God is saying here and go about and put forgiveness into practice, we are going to be in a world of hurt.

But we need to take this a little further and see that to the same measure that we forgive others God will forgive us, "For if you forgive others for their transgressions your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But, if you do not forgive others, then your heavenly Father will not forgive your transgressions".  Notice the Father's forgiveness is not restricted to the forgiveness issue but covers all transgressions.    

In Matthew 7:1-2 we find the same principle.  God, through Matthew warned, "Do not judge so that you will not be judged.  For in the way you judge you will be judged: and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you".   In a recent trial involving embezzlement and stealing from those folks that had trust in the person and invested their retirement monies, the jury found the culprit "not guilty" when one of the jurors declared he had "reasonable doubt".  The people were devastated with the verdict, but one elderly gentlemen announced to the distraught folks, “He will be judged in the same measure that he  embezzled you.” 

One last example of the word "measure" is found in Luke 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you.  They will pour into your lap a good measure - pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return".   Wow, is that not one power packed verse on how to live your life in an effective manner?  

If I could challenge each of you to do one thing with your lives, it would be "Give".  Malachi challenges each to bring all that they have and all that they are into God's storehouse so that God can dole it out to us - even when the droughts hit an there is no food. And the fringe benefit that comes with our giving all that we have and all that we are to God is that He protects us from Evil One.  (Mal 3:10-11). 

Soooo,  young folks, the Word is filled with the ‘Law of Reciprocity’ meaning that we are going to reap what we sow.  Paul pounded this point throughout his ministry: "God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7).  So polish your armor, take up your sword, the Word, and be a planter of the Good News into the hearts and souls of everyone you come in contact with, by action and word.

Blessings,

Gramps