Yesterday we highlighted the importance of Jesus' teaching ministry and the fact that the miracles were a demonstration of the presence of the kingdom of God. In the following verses, we see Jesus as the new lawgiver, mirror Moses as he gives his teaching from the mountain top (hills around Capernaum, just like Moses gave the law from Sinai). He taught them, the principles which are to govern life in the kingdom. These are the principles which those who are truly his disciples would imbibe.
He pronounced the word 'blessed' for those who would live by these principles. This word is more than just 'happiness‘ but has in it the idea of the total well being in relation to God, which those who practice these principles would obtain.
It is important that Jesus begins the beatitudes by talking about the poverty of the spirit, which implies the attitude of dependence on God that is different from the self righteousness and spiritual pride of the Pharisees. Those 'who mourn' represent penitence and sorrow over sin while 'meekness' is a disposition of helpless dependence on God that manifests in gentleness towards men.
How do we measure up to this today? Compare these attitudes with th 'spiritual pride' that is so commonly exhibited today, should we not repent?
The merciful are those who show mercy in their dealings with others remembering that they themselves have obtained mercy from God. Have you observed that people rarely show mercy; even believers! Purity of heart is about seeking an inward uprightness as against the external show of righteousness that was common among the Pharisees and also today.
Organisations like the United Nations, etc. are set up to promote peace on earth and yet there is no peace! Jesus followers are supposed to be people who work to promote peace, but are we?
Today, being born again is celebrated, we exhibit it! But righteousness will often meet with opposition. When it happens how do we react? Are you being reviled or abused, persecuted or oppressed and are people saying all manner of lies and evil against you? Remember first, that you are not alone; it is an old tactic of the enemy. Secondly rejoice for there is an eternal reward for you.
This is the way the sons and daughters of the kingdom ought to live. Jesus likened his disciples to 'salt' and 'light'. Salt serves as seasoning and preservative while light brings illumination. If any of these loses it purpose then it is useless. In the same way that God's purpose is frustrated in the life of a disciple who lives as though he were not one.
Prayer 1. Dear Father, deliver me from all forms o's spiritual pride and teach me to do absolutely on you in Jesus name.
Prayer 2. Dear Lord , help me to be conscious that I am a city on a hill. So that I might live to glorify you.