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| “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” |
| —Matthew 5:1 |
I’ve heard many sermons on the introductory verses to Jesus’ famous “Sermon on the Mount.” On a particular Sunday nearly six years ago, I heard a pastor preach a very different take on these statements of our Lord. 1
Sharing his insights, with support from an analysis of this passage by the late Dallas Willard, the pastor urged the congregation to read these verses, not as “attitudes” to which they should aspire and emulate, but as a list of normal human conditions into which God would pour His blessing.
Rather than adopting each attitude in order receive blessing, one should accept the truth that in whatever condition one might find himself or herself, he or she was blessed by God.
Out of His inexhaustible mercy, grace, and love, God chooses to bless those who belong to Him in spite of the external circumstances of their lives.
Let me suggest you read these familiar verses with this new interpretation in mind. Here’s Matthew 5:1-12:
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.He said:
“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 children 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.”
No matter what circumstances may arise in our lives, God pours out His blessing on those of us He has chosen to belong to Him
Take heart this day! God loves you and will bless your inner being with every available spiritual blessing. No matter what is happening on the outside of your life, God is at work within you to fill your life full-to-overflowing with His choicest blessings.
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1 Special thanks to Pastor Rick J. Crocker, Executive Director of the Erie City Mission, for preaching this powerful message on August 3, 2014, at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Erie, PA.
Originally posted on Monday, January 26, 2015
