We're talking about Matthew 5:1-12 at church this week ... typing here from the NIV ... nothing better than this, baby! NOTHING! ...
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Feels good and right just to even get to type it.
I agree. Nothing says New Testament like these words.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid these words to me felt quite different than they do now that I'm older. As a kid to be honest these words seemed to represent for me a lot of the world I saw around me. My family, friends, most the people I came into contact with seemed to fit into what he's talking about here and so the words seemed very much like a sunny smile.
Now that I'm older and I see the broader world in context to these words, they help to keep me going on days when I feel really down about the state of things. The greed in our society, the hatred and anger around us all the time.
Very powerful stuff.
After a presidential election there is always talk about promises made. These are the biggest promises ever made to humanity. If you believe and you try and live your life with hopes of a brighter life after this one, it's in large part because of these promises.
ReplyDeleteThat's right.
ReplyDeleteEvery child should be so fortunate to grow up being tricked into believing the here-and-now world is more often than not as Jesus describes the kingdom here.
ReplyDelete