I recommend a full reading of all of Matthew 5, to be honest. We will only look at the first 15 verses of this chapter, but all of it is a clear indication of what kind of world Jesus is trying to build. One that respects and values neighbors of all walks of life. One that encourages people to tell each other the truth and to uphold commitments to one another. One that encourages people to work for peaceful relationships as much as is humanly possible. One that suggests that we never hide who we are, but climb to the top of the highest hill and let the world see and hear about who God is calling us to be.
We focus mostly this week on the Beatitudes portion of this text. Blessed are the.... fill in the blank, but not with who the world thinks is blessed... instead, most people who are struggling in this world get an honored place in this blessed list. The poor in Spirit, the meek, the grieving, the persecuted. Oh and also, blessed are the peacemakers. Sadly, peacemakers, too often get reviled by the world-at-large.
Jesus tells all those who feel discouraged to rejoice for their reward is great in heaven. He is dogged in his concern for the downtrodden as he shares with all who are gathered on that hillside to hear him deliver an instructional sermon about how to create a more perfect society.
Matthew 5 encourages us to look for a new view of God's blessings in this world. It is a view that is 180 degrees from any prosperity gospel you will hear. It is a view that elevates those the world chooses to trample or ignore. It is a view that offers those who feel discouraged a path forward to let their light shine, rather than their darkness permeate.
It should speak to all of us in some way. We should hear warnings to us about the struggles we have in our society today. We should hear encouragement about the ways we love one another. There's something special about this sermon by Jesus. He's shifting our vision from one perspective to another. Being righteous and faithful is not like being successful in the ways of the world. Look to see who needs a lift up, Jesus says, and then do everything in your power to provide the lift. Shine your own light of goodness in a way that brings everyone to the table together.
What beatitude do you struggle with the most? Which do you think our society could best pay attention to? Email me at peverhart@niwotumc.org or comment below on the comments link.
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