Words from the Master!
When we were in Israel several years ago, we had the opportunity to walk down the hillside where they believe Jesus gave His Sermon on the Mount. As we looked out across the landscape it was an amazing, picturesque view of the village of Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, and the Jordanian Mountains across the sea. As we sat there on the grassy hill taking it all in one of our team leaders read Matthew 5:1-12 “The Beatitudes”. With my eyes closed and my mind focused, I tried to imagine what it must have been like to have heard these words from the Master in person. I can tell you it was a very serene moment I will never forget!
As Jesus shared His message with the disciples, who were with Him on the hillside, a great teaching moment unfolded. The words He spoke and the lesson He conveyed set in place an understanding that was not of this world. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The world would declare that having a poor spirit makes you vulnerable! “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” The world would say be strong and control your emotions.” “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” The world says power and strength are what will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” The world sees a righteous person as holier than thou and self-righteous. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” The world sees this as be easy on some one else and maybe it will come back to you as karma. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Come on let’s be real, no one can be considered to have a pure heart (be perfect). Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. The world calls peacemakers Nobel Prize winners. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Who wants to get in line to be persecuted in hopes you will receive some kind of benefit later! “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” From the world’s eyes: How can anyone possibly believe that by allowing yourself to be ridiculed, persecuted, and have evil done to you falsely, there exists the opportunity to rejoice and be glad. A person has to be nuts to believe such nonsense!
Dear friends in Christ, the blessings Jesus is offering to you and to me, the world cannot rationalize with. Why? Because the things Jesus speaks of are not of this world or life. He has come to bring that which the world cannot provide, life abundant! In Jesus is true life and a blessed outcome! Pastor McCarty
Comments