Jesus: Uncut
Posted May 21, 2010
Today’s Reading Section: 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. – Matthew 5:10-12
Comments:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Suffering is not something we pursue or for which we hope. When we are persecuted, we often think “what did I do wrong?” We try to avoid pain, suffering, and persecution. Jesus invites us (even promises us – 2 Tim. 3:12) to a life of following Him that includes being persecuted by others.
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Posted May 20, 2010
Today’s Reading Section: 6″Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” – Matthew 5:6-7
Comments:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
Our innate self-centeredness tells us to put our own interests first. We naturally put our energies toward what is best for me.
Jesus says that the person who desires righteousness (God’s interests) is the one who is happy (blessed). Pretty amazing! The path to happiness is through looking out for the interests of others, not yourself.
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Posted May 19, 2010
Today’s Reading Section: 8″Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:8-9
Comments:
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
It’s pretty amazing that there’s a pre-requisite for seeing God. We don’t all experience God to the same degree. You can cultivate your ability to see and experience God.
It’s not the perfect who see God but the pure in heart. God doesn’t look at outward appearances nor does He expect perfect obedience. The pure in heart are those that are not deceptive or sneaky. What you see is what you get. There’s no hidden agenda. No two faces. No double-mindedness.
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Posted May 18, 2010
Today’s Reading Section: 4″Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. – Matthew 5;4-5
Comments:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
The beatitudes are counter-intuitive. They are counter-culture. They cut against the grain of what is extolled and praised in our culture. We always want to be happy. Everything is together. Everything is wonderful.
Yet… Jesus knows the truth: everything is not happy and wonderful. Instead of ignoring the pain in our lives, our family, our community or our world, Jesus invites us to experience reality. As we feel what He feels for people and situations, then His comfort is poured into our hearts. Faith for a preferred future (vision) may grip us. Wisdom and strategy may come as He comforts us.
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Posted May 17, 2010
Today’s Reading Section: 1Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3″Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:1-3
Comments:
The Sermon on the Mount is considered by many to be the greatest sermon ever preached. You are invited to dig into its rich treasure of wisdom, spiritual truth, and life-transforming principles. Interestingly, the sermon is introduced by Jesus “seeing the crowds” and responding by going up on a mountain and sitting down. There’s an invitation to come and listen to and learn from Jesus. His disciples come to Him and then Jesus opens His mouth and teaches.
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Posted May 16, 2010
