Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

The Beatitudes through Luke’s Eyes

When we think of the Beatitudes, we immediately think of the gospel of Matthew. Luke comes as an afterthought. But have you ever compared how the two are written?

Matthew 5:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

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

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

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

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

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, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Luke 6:

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”

Do you see the difference? We like Matthew’s “spiritual virtue” Beatitudes--poor in spirit, mourners, meek, thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, etc. Well, what about Luke’s? Luke addresses the poor, the hungry, those who weep, the excluded. Luke’s Beatitudes have a bit more of a tangible ring to them.

I was having a discipleship meal with my boss last week, and she asked me, “What kind of a salary would you like to have in the future?” To which I replied, “Hmm. I’m not sure! I’ve never really thought about a specific salary. I’m not concerned with being rich. I just want to do something that I love. I mean, I guess I don’t want to be a bum on the street or anything.”

Her response made me choke on my oatmeal. “Why not?” she asked.

Why not? Why don’t I want to be a bum on the street? What kind of a foolish question is that? But then I really, really thought about it. Look at Luke’s Beatitudes. Not only does Jesus prophecy abundant, holy blessings for those who are financially and materialistically poor, those who have no food to eat, those who have tears now, and those who are excluded and reviled, but He also calls down woes:

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”

From my sweet, hospitable, compassionate boss’s perspective, we are called to be bums on the street. We are called to seek out the poor, the hungry, the emotionally broken down, the ones that society looks at and says, “Worthless.” Nothing in scripture says we shouldn’t be homeless for the kingdom. But it does say we shouldn’t be selfishly living in excess.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t pursue excellence in our jobs or every other area of our lives. I think we’re also called to excellence. I think we’re not called to blend into this culture of consumerism, this culture of materialism, this culture that says, “You need more” and “‘Comfortable’ means 3,000 square feet and three cars and a pool in the backyard.” I think we’re called to give and give and give until we can’t give anymore.

I think it’s so interesting that the last woe Jesus calls down says, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” Jesus’ message stepped on some toes, and if we’re doing it justice in our own lives, everyone will not “speak well of us,” too. Blending into this culture can’t also mean living out Jesus’ calling with every ounce of who we are. Because the essence of kingdom living doesn’t “blend in” to anything.

We aren’t just called to give our money, sit back, and be done with it. We are called to give of our money, our food, our homes, our hearts. We are called to love the hungry, the poor, the weeping, the excluded, because Jesus loved us. He invested time in people who the rest of the world thought He shouldn’t be seen with. We’re supposed to invest time in people who the rest of the world thinks we shouldn’t be seen with. We’re supposed to seek out those who embody Luke’s Beatitudes and give them everything we have. I think maybe we avoid Luke’s Beatitudes because they’re things that we can remedy. Matthew’s are easier--we can read about those and expect Jesus to take care of those people. Not so Luke’s--we have to really think about what we’re supposed to be doing where those people are concerned.

I want to be the kind of person who can leave the door to my house unlocked and invite people to make themselves at home. I want to be the kind of person who isn’t worried about something getting stolen because, at the end of the day, my possessions do not define my quality of life or my value as a person. I want to be the kind of person who finds value in meaningful relationships with other people, not in experience after experience that I pay a lot of money for. I want to give the money I would use for expensive clothes and cars and electronics away to people who need to pay their electric bill and buy groceries and have warm clothes. I want to live fully in the realization that loving God’s people and constantly seeking out new ways to do this will be the most exciting “experiences” I will have in this life.

God,

Teach us to give. Not in the cold, distant way that we’ve been taught, but in a way that is reflected in every area of our lives. Not just during the Christmas season, but year round. Not just when we think we’ve got some excess money, but when we’re not sure how we’re going to make it that month. Because we know that being able to let go of material possessions is reflective of a true love and faith in you. Teach us to give abundantly, O God. Thank you for giving abundantly to us.

Through the Giver of life, Jesus, Amen.

Erin Daugherty, Abilene Christian University  

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. - Matthew 5:3 

When I think of the poor in spirit, a lot of different thoughts come to my mind – brokenness, sadness, depression, hurt, weakness, despair, etc.  I think of someone at a spiritual low-point.  All of us (at one time or another) have times when we feel like we are at “rock bottom.”  We feel like our prayers don’t even reach the ceiling.  We can’t see past our faults and weaknesses to realize our potential.  A feeling of worthlessness overcomes us.  These are some of life’s terrible valleys.

In the book of Job, we see that Job has every opportunity to be one that is poor in spirit.  Throughout his story, Job is attacked over and over again by Satan.  He sees his world crumble around him.  He could easily just succumb to the pressure of his struggles and give up. However, he never gives into the temptation of Satan – no matter how many times those closest to him suggest that he should.  He understood that he was being tested and he never lost faith in God.  Because of his faith and love for the Lord, Job was rewarded and restored in the end.

The low points are the times in our lives when God is molding us – shaping us into a better vessel.  God is providing opportunities for spiritual growth.  These are the times when we realize that we truly need God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 states, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am made strong.”

Admitting we need God for restoration, laying down spiritual pride, asking for forgiveness, and praying for direction allows God to be in control and mold us into the person that He would have us to be.  We must move out of the way and let God be God.  God is the Master Craftsman.  Development stages are tough – the low points are brutal.  It hurts, but hang in there, the broken phase is not forever and the end result is an original masterpiece from God.

Father, thank you.  Thank you for your grace and mercy.  Thank you for the trials that we all experience.  Thank you for seeing us through those times.  Thank you for the example of Job.  Please heal our broken spirits – mold us into Your image.  We love You and long to live with you in eternity.  It’s through Christ that we pray, amen.

Casey Dacus

Graham, TX

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

MEEK    

     

It has been said that you can find more truth and wisdom in Matthew 5,6 & 7, than in 500 years of Greek philosophy. That sermon is sure full of truth and hope. Some of the statements of Jesus sort of slap us in the face. Of course, if Jesus said it, we believe it but still…For example, that ‘meek’ thing, you know…in Matthew 5:5, it says… “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”         

Being meek is not high on the list of anyone I know. Even now, when I think of meek, I think weak. Conventional wisdom says meek people don’t inherit the whole earth, just a mouthful of it. So what is Jesus talking about? Well, we have to learn what words really mean. Meek means control or tame like what you do with a wild horse. Just strong but under control.          

Well, that’s something I could use. Control! I have never been pleased with myself when I ‘lose’ it. I tear up so much. I hurt so many. To learn to be under control, better yet, “His” control, now that would really be good. To use all my energy for constructive purposes; to build and not always tear down, that would really be something. I would be in good company. In the Bible, two men are called ‘meek’. One was Moses and the other was Jesus. 

Dear God, I come before you again. Thank you for being who you are. For having all power and knowing all things. I know nothing is impossible with you. This control thing is impossible with me. I think I have my temper under control and then I shoot off my mouth or I bring up some injustice I should have forgotten. I know a lot more about destruction than I should and less about blessing and building up. Sometimes I almost explode. Sometimes I do. I am so sorry. I know I shame your name. Please forgive me. Do whatever you need to teach me meekness. I need it so. I want to look like your son.  In His name, I pray.   Amen

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

‘Hungering For God’

Jesus had an amazing way of saying things.  That is why so many of the things He said are emblazoned on our hearts.  One of those amazing and memorable sayings from Jesus is the Beatitude:  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteous, for they shall be satisfied.

A few years ago when we lived in Lubbock, there was a billboard advertising the upcoming Texas Tech Red Raider football season.  It pictured a Tech player in his uniform in a threatening posture and the caption said, ‘We’re hungry!!’  The hunger represented by that billboard was a hunger to be a successful football team.

Jesus redefines our hunger—not for hamburgers and French fries—but for righteousness.  In that same sermon with the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us to ‘store up treasures in heaven’.  He tells us to be ‘devoted to one master’.  And, to ‘seek FIRST God’s kingdom’.  

How do we develop this great appetite for the spiritual?  How do we get to the point of the great song, ‘As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after You.  You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship You.  I want You more than gold or silver, only You can satisfy.  You alone are the real joy giver, and the apple of my eye?’  I think that is what Jesus is conveying in the Beatitude.  He wants us to thirst for God like a deer thirsts for water.  He wants us to hunger for God like one who has fasted for days hungers for food.  And the great thing that Jesus tells us is:  we will be satisfied if we have such a hunger.  God will fill our hunger.  

Let me close these thoughts with a prayer that is borrowed from Tim Woodruff.

Father, I don’t hunger for You as I should.  So many other appetites, so many other passions, compete with You in my heart.  Forgive me, Father, when I let petty passions overwhelm my longings for You.  I’m ashamed when that happens.  Lord, I want to want You.  I hunger to be hungry for You.  Teach me Your ways.  Show me Your will.  Instruct me in the path I should walk.  Grant me the strength and the discipline to live better than I feel, to follow You even when I would rather do something else.  Let me learn meekness—to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”  But then, Father, grant me the gift of passion.  Take my weak intentions and feeble efforts and transform them into a consuming passion for You.  Fill me with a zeal for You that captures my heart and directs my life.  Let my gratitude for what You have done for me fuel a burning desire to live for You.  I love You, Father.  Help me to live like it.   AMEN.        

Terry Brown

Abilene, Texas

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

Peace! 

What a wonderful concept.  It is even a pleasant word to say..."peace of mind", "grace and peace", "peace on earth", "love, joy and peace",  and so on. 

The word 'peace' conjures up so many nice thoughts and feelings...yet, do we experience any of those in our lives today?  "Conflict" seems to be everywhere - on the TV, in the newspaper, on the internet, in our government, in our culture, even in our own homes, families and relationships.

So, do we accept the lack of peace in our lives, in our hearts?  Do we make excuses:  "we're just under a lot of stress right now", "it is the economy", "it is the Republicans/Democrats fault", etc.?  Maybe, we even deceive ourselves into thinking we have peace, oblivious to the turmoil that exists within our very hearts.  It reminds me of the soldiers of the Seventh U.S. Calvary at Wounded Knee Creek.  It was late Dec

ember, 1890, in South Dakota when Custer's former regiment, (Custer was killed 14 years earlier), came upon a band of Sioux Indians headed to the Pine Ridge Agency for safety.  The group of Indians consisted of 120 men and 230 women and children.  Chief Big Foot, who was very ill, displayed a white 'flag' indicating their intentions.  The Indians set up camp for the night while the soldiers guarded them with plans to escort the Indians the following day.  The next morning an altercation occurred while the Indians were turning in their weapons.  The soldiers opened fire killing nearly 300 of the 350 men, women and children.  Forty-seven wounded, bleeding women and children were taken in wagons to the Pine Ridge 'church' or mission.  They were place on the floor where, above the pulpit, hung a banner stating - "PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MEN".

Jesus says "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful", (John 14:27).  Therefore, peace is something we can experience. 

Jesus also said "blessed are the peacemakers", (Matthew 5:9), which implies peace takes effort. 

Peace is more than a concept; it is more than a word.  It is a reality!  Are we willing to make the effort to seek it, work for it, and accept it?  Maybe we are just more comfortable with 'words' like "peace on earth".  Read Philippians 4:6-7.

Doug Burns

Stephenville, Texas

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God”.  Matt.5:8

This beatitude is an attitude of a true disciple.
Pure does not mean completely without sin.
A pure heart is a heart that loves God completely.

Our loyalty is undivided.

I was in Pier 1 last week doing some Christmas shopping. I noticed a piece of artwork on the far wall that drew me in. The scene was a grove of aspen trees in Colorado. The colors in the painting were greens, yellows, black and white, blues and deep hues of rust. The depth of the forest was intriguing to me. I envisioned myself taking a hike through those woods and enjoying the sounds of nature. I stood in front of the canvas noticing that it was a copy and reasonably priced. I asked my husband to come over and take a look at it.  While standing there he noticed a glob of white paint 1 inch long right in the center of the reproduction. It was out of place and once it was pointed out to me, I could not enjoy the painting. I was focused on the impurity, instead of the art.  

In the beatitude above, Jesus is telling us to keep our hearts pure. Don’t let evil in. Our allegiance to God must be unfaltering. Don’t allow a smudge of something contrary to God to be a part of our lives. When our heart is pure we can see Him who is invisible. We see him in those around us. We see him using people here to achieve his purposes.  We see Him working through us to touch others. This verse is not only talking about seeing God in heaven.  The truth is, we are part of His kingdom now and he is at work in those who love Him. Those who love Him with a pure heart will see Him now.

What a blessing!

Dear Father,
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of yourself in our everyday world.  Jesus thank you for pointing out to us the blessings that come from a pure heart. Thank you Father for the plan you have for us and for working through us to accomplish your purpose here on earth. Forgive me when my loyalty falters and help me to recognize it, so the impurity does not become part of my heart.  In the most Holy name of Jesus, Amen.  

Terry Smith

Stephenville, Texas