How We Miss the Mark

When a golfer lines up his drive, which is a shot he may expect to travel 250 yards or so and end up on a relatively small place in the fairway, the initial angle of the ball’s travel must be precise. If the beginning movement of the ball from the tee is askew even two or three degrees, by the time it has reached its resting place it may be fifty yards or more off target. To ensure this does not occur, the golfer dedicates himself to the basics of his swing thereby increasing his likelihood of landing the shot reasonably close to the mark.

So it is with the Christ Follower. It is astoundingly easy for us to stumble and fall if we do not pay exact attention to the basics of Godly pursuits. In Matthew 22, the religious leaders of the day posed three specific questions to Jesus to trip Him up or confuse His message. The comment He makes in verse 29 accomplishes two objectives. First, He reveals He is aware of the intentions of their inquiries. Second, He is teaching us where we miss our mark as soon as we “address the ball.”

Back to Basics
Jesus tells them and us: “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” He is saying, “Your setup is off. Your backswing is crooked. Your follow-through is ineffective.” Jesus points us to the Word and to the supernatural nature of God and says, “Get back to the basics!”

In Matthew 22:35-40, the question asked focuses on the great commandment of all. It is significant to note that these Pharisees and Sadducees by this time had identified 613 commands in the Mosaic law. 613! “Of all these, Jesus,” they ask, “which one is superior to all the rest?” In response, Jesus quotes the most elementary law of them all, one they had been taught from childhood and had repeated daily for years. It is called, “The Shama.”

Foundations and Fundamentals
The Shama, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, was and is routine for the Hebrews.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might.”
These were the most rudimentary words that Jesus could have possibly spoken to them. His simple answer was blatantly obvious to even the least experienced student of the law. The Shama was and is fundamental, foundational, and the first teaching learned and practiced by the Jews.

Jesus then continued with the number two commandment even though He was not asked to do so. Quoting Leviticus 19:18, in verse 39 He declares, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In this reply, Jesus gave them the solution to the dilemma of verse 29 which pointed out their underlying error. He tells them, “These two are crucial for you to embrace because the other 611 commandments hinge on and find fulfillment in them. There is nothing more vital to right living than these.”

Our Response of Surrender
Mark 12 also records this encounter but adds a rejoinder from the scribe who had originally posed the query. His words affirm his understanding: the two laws conveyed by Jesus are more important than “even burnt offerings and sacrifices”.[1] He expresses his assent to these facts and seems to comprehend that, to Jesus at least, love of God and love of people are at the core of God’s will for all of us.

But Jesus did not commend the scribe for his agreement. Instead, He rightly observed that this man’s place in the eternal Kingdom was not on target. Jesus did offer some encouragement by indicating that it was not too far off either. It is important to grasp the truth with discernment, but that isn’t enough. There is something else in truth that is requisite for us. We must surrender to it, and we must surrender every day of our lives.

The Truth Is: The Lord our God is one God.[2]
Surrender Answers: “The Lord God is my God, and I will love Him, abdicating all of my passions, desires, relationships and control to Him.”

The Truth Is: Whatever we do in word or in deed is to be done in the Name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks to the Father.[3]
Surrender Answers: “My job, my recreation, my household responsibilities, my hobbies, and my relationships will be conducted with gratitude to God in Jesus’ name.”

The Truth Is: Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.[4]
Surrender Answers: “I declare this day and every day that Jesus Christ is my Lord.”

The Surrendering Church
Finally, how do we hit the mark as a body of believers? By applying the basics of Scripture and making the most important practices in life, according to Jesus, the most important practices in His church: loving God, and loving people. If we are to be the true church, the Bride that Christ will return for, we are compelled to this three-fold ministry:
1. We minister to the Lord in corporate worship as we forget about ourselves, focus on the supernatural nature of God, and give him the glory due His matchless name.[5]
2. We minister to the members of the family of God by equipping them for works of service, comforting them in times of trial, and supporting them in times of need.[6]
3. We minister to all the people of the world by sharing the Gospel and meeting their needs because they are made in the image of God and are therefore valuable to Him and to us.[7]

Surrender to what Jesus teaches as basic Christianity and "hit the mark" every time.

[1] Mark 12:32-33 [2] Deuteronomy 6:4 [3] Colossians 3:17 [4] Philippians 2:11 [5] I Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 29:2, 96:8 [6] Ephesians 4:12-14; James 2:14-16; I John 3:17 [7] John 3:16-17; Matthew 25:35-40