Sermon on the Mount Part 2

 

Yesterday, I invited you to read the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7.  I encouraged you to look at different translations.  The Sermon on the Mount begins with what is called the Beatitudes or Blessings or state of goodness.  But Jesus doesn’t say, “Blessed are those who are privileged or powerful or have a growing social media platform.”  Here is the Voice Translation of this passage:

 

Now when He saw the crowds, He went up on a mountain (as Moses had done before Him) and He sat down (as Jewish teachers of His day usually did). His disciples gathered around Him.

 

² And He began to teach them.

³ Jesus: Blessed are the spiritually poor—the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
⁴     Blessed are those who mourn—they will be comforted.
⁵     Blessed are the meek and gentle—they will inherit the earth.
⁶     Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness—they will be filled.
⁷     Blessed are the merciful—they will be shown mercy.
⁸     Blessed are those who are pure in heart—they will see God.
⁹     Blessed are the peacemakers—they will be called children of God.
¹⁰     Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness—the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

 

 

Pause with me, when in the last few months have you been at the end of your rope?  When have you lost someone?  Our church right now is grieving the deaths of a number of our members, some suddenly.  There is shock and rawness to grief; a pain that takes effort and energy to process.  Note that grief is complex, we grieve not only the death of loved ones, but lost opportunities, missed moments, or feeling emotionally cut off from family.  When have you felt restless, hungry for God, compassion for other? 

 

Find yourself in the Beatitudes.  Name and notice when the words described and defined your life. 

 

I mentioned yesterday that Jesus is offering God’s alternative vision for the world.  I am not sure as people of faith we know what to do with the gap between what Jesus describes and the world we experience/encounter today.  I encourage you to continue to let these words roam and rummage within you.  Continue to ponder prayerfully which words open your soul and which words you want to slam the door shut upon and pretend are not there.  Hold this and pray with me:

 

God, Your challenge to lean into these words can cause us to feel flummoxed and frustrated.  We struggle to see blessing in moments of tension or when we are weak/worn/tired.  We have been taught and told that what Jesus says is a blessing, is the exact opposite of what we are to seek.  What gives?  How in the world do we reconcile, embrace, and embody these words?  Do we really have the courage?  We believe and trust in You, help our unbelief and resistance for the revolution You are plotting and planning in our hearts.  Amen.