| “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 one particular Sunday, I heard a pastor, whom I greatly respect, 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, this pastor urged the congregation to read these verses in Matthew 5, not as “attitudes” to which they should aspire and emulate, but rather as a list of normal human conditions into which God would pour His divine blessing.
Rather than attempting to adopt each attitude in order receive a blessing, every individual should accept the truth that in whatever condition one might find himself or herself, he or she is already greatly 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 Himself. Let us take heart this day! God loves us and will bless our inner beings with every available spiritual blessing. No matter what is happening on the outside of our lives, God is at work within us to fill our lives full-to-overflowing with His choicest blessings.
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1 Special thanks to Pastor Rick J. Crocker, at the time of this sermon Executive Director of the Erie City Mission, for preaching this powerful message on August 3, 2014, at Redeemer Presbyterian Church (EPC) in Erie, PA.
Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, January 26, 2015
