May 23rd - Luke 6:20-21
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Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.”
These words are a shorter version of the Beatitudes that we find in Matthew’s Gospel, and they show that Jesus came to turn our normal human thinking upside down. Nothing less. This is the purest form of revolution. He wasn’t saying that it is good to be poor, hungry or sad, but that God is able to do wonderful things for those who recognise their poverty, hunger or sadness and seek his help.
The only people whom God can help are those who come to him with an awareness of their need. That’s the problem with arrogance. The Bible tells us that God hates pride because such people are so full of themselves that they don’t want anything from him. He would love to bless them, but he can’t get close because they are so stuck up and self-confident. God wants us to come to him with open hands and an eagerness to receive from him.
God wants us to recognise that we have nothing of any worth without him. When we look at ourselves and see that all our achievements and possessions are of no lasting value, then we can see that what really matters is our spiritual wealth. Then we are able to enter his kingdom and see the treasure of his love, joy and peace.
While we may find satisfaction and temporary pleasure in success, God can’t bless us as he wants to. But when we see that only God can give us the nourishment which really counts, we will be incredibly hungry. And then God can satisfy us.
Jesus knew all about the pain of loss. When his friend Lazarus died, he wept openly. But he also knew that weeping would not have the last word. He came to bring resurrection life. So those who weep real tears of pain and brokenness can be confident that God’s joy will, eventually, win the day.
QUESTION
In what specific ways do Jesus’ words give you encouragement today?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank you that you invite me to look at life with new eyes. Thank you for the satisfaction and joy that you give to all who follow you. Amen
Released on 23 May 2023
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