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January 03

There is an interesting story concerning the history of the Royal Hotel in Calgary in 1892. At that time the Royal Hotel was the area’s most imposing structure. It proclaimed itself the finest hotel west of Winnipeg—although they hung blankets from the ceiling in place of walls. In any event, that year, 1892, the hotel became ultramodern. They installed newfangled electric lighting. They also hung a sign which read: “Do not attempt to light the bulbs with a match. Simply turn key on wall by the door. The use of electricity is in no way harmful to health.”

We are all a little tentative about something new, whether it’s electricity, or the latest in computer technology. We have to prove whether or not it’s better than the old way.

Early in his Gospel, Mark tells of reaction to Jesus on perhaps the first trip of His ministry to Capernaum. He taught in their synagogue and startled them with His knowledge and caring . . . he healed a man with an evil spirit. Mark writes: “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law” (Mark 1:22). “Jesus’ teaching” was—and is—new.

The old Jewish law was an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Said Jesus, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43–44).

Indeed as the Apostle Paul puts it, the one who follows His way is a new creation . . . a new person.