Click for Lesson Plan Become a Rattlesnake

Become a Rattlesnake

By Sensei Ken Bakewell

Matthew 5:5:9

Blessed are the meek,
 for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are the merciful,
 for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
 for they will be called sons of God.

 

There was an old Martial Arts saying passed around saying, if you are going to have to go into a den of rattlesnakes become a rattlesnake.[1]  The rattlesnakes do not prey on each other they attack others.  This is just another way of saying to live and be conformed to the way of the world.

 

The way to survive in the world is to be tougher, meaner and slicker than the next guy.  There was a time that I personally lived my life that way.  If you live that way it is very easy to push others around, to take advantage of them, and to use them.

 

What a contrast with Jesus message of love.  Blessed are the meek. Blessed are the merciful.  Blessed are the peacemakers.  Friends the way of the world may work for a season but it eventually leads to unhappiness and death.  Jesus wants to fill your heart with love and joy unspeakable.  Which do you choose?

It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory,
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Oh, the half has never yet been told.[2]

A popular commercial asks us what is in our wallet.  God asks what is in your heart, Jesus or the world?  Who do you love, Jesus or the world? As Joshua said to the people of Israel choose this day.[3]

 

Father regardless of what the world offers we choose Jesus and his love.  Amen