Matthew 5:5 NIV
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
What does it mean to be meek? Meek is not a word that gets used much in everyday conversation. Weak, wimp, wuss; these kind of words are more familiar. Is that what Jesus meant?
The Greek word is prays (sounds like prow'-uhs). It means a person with a gentle spirit, a mild disposition. Remember that the values of the kingdom of heaven run counter to the values of the world. A mild mannered Clark Kent was Superman's disguise. No one would ever suspect such a personality to be the man of steel, courageous and undefeatable. A gentle soul might be respected, but few of us would consider such a person as leadership material. Our heroes are tough minded, bold, fearless and brash. According to Jesus the meek are blessed. Happy are the meek because they will inherit the earth.
The Greek word translated as earth is ga. It has many meanings. It could mean dirt or soil, good for growing crops. It could mean the solid ground on which we stand. Or it could mean a specific region, like the land of the Jews, Palestine or Canaan, the promised land. The word might mean the entire globe. Or it could mean the dwelling of humans and animals. According to my interlinear notes, Jesus' teaching means the latter. The meek shall inherit their place among men. It sounds vindicating doesn't it? When the kingdom of heaven comes in its fullness, the eyes of humanity will no longer be blinded by the values of this current era. What God values will be their own. We will finally understand that brute force only yields short term gains and longer term enmity. Violence begets violence. But humility and gentleness invites strong bonds of friendship.
Perhaps a gentle soul might seem boring and uninteresting to me. I'd rather hang with the life of the party kind of people, ones who inspire me or make me laugh. But I've learned that gentle people are consistently the kind of people to be counted on. And over the years my admiration for them has grown. I'd likely do whatever they ask of me, because of my admiration. The meek, that I know personally, have a place of influence with me.
I've met these gentle souls in the church, in Scouting, and in community theater, interestingly enough. Not all actors are larger than life off the stage. Some are very down to earth. Many of these gentle souls are mature in age. They've gained a peaceful disposition with the wisdom earned through the years. Some just seem to be born that way. They come from family environments that are gentle and mild mannered. However the meek got to be meek, I only know I'm not one of them. I'm not mild or gentle. I come from loud and boisterous, and a little bit ornery kind of people. You had to have thick skin to survive among my people. If I'm to find my place in the kingdom of heaven, I doubt it will be through this blessing. Unless the Lord fundamentally changes who I am, I don't think I'll ever be meek. I don't think I'd be happy trying to be mild mannered. It's just not me. So where does that leave me; on the outside, far from a place among godly men? I don't think so.
The point of Jesus' beattitudes is not to draw up barriers, but to invite inclusion to those who've been marginalized all their lives. The poor, the mild mannered, the mourning, and the peaceniks; these will find full inclusion and happiness in the kingdom of heaven. They will have an honored place at the table of the Lord. Often Jesus said those who are first in this life will be last in the kingdom, but those who are last shall be first. If you want to be honored in the kingdom of heaven become a servant, a humble slave, to others.
The Lord invites me to stop chasing after worldly trophies and accolades. Instead I am called to value what Jesus values, compassionate care for the poor, sick, depressed, and marginalized. I am called to love and serve them as my master. For when I do good unto the least among humanity, I've done good unto the Lord Jesus, the King of Kings.
What a blessing that would be!
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Matthew 5:4
Matthew 5:4 NIV
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Jesus presents an overturning of the world's power structure. Now the rich and politically powerful rule, but within the kingdom of heaven a very different arrangement is experienced.
Remember Mary's prayer in Luke's gospel?
Luke 1:51-53 NIV
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
What we value and what we see as strength is not eternal, but temporary and tied to a world power structure that is coming to its end. Love is the true power. Love conquers all. Love will triumph. And the greatest of all treasures is love. The Beatles said, "Can't Buy Me Love." Greater than silver and richer than gold is the love of God. But the world is blinded by belief that war is the answer, violence is the means by which to exercise authority. We believe the amassing of wealth is the way to the good life. Jesus will tell you not to store treasures up for yourself that can be stolen or diminish in value. Rather store up treasures in heaven that last forever.
In this life many suffer under the tyranny of the current power structure. Those who mourn the ugliness of this system that ignores the needs of the poor, enslaves workers, oppresses the weak and marginalized, and objectifies women, will one day see the birth of a new way of life in the kingdom of heaven. In the kingdom there is true justice. Every woman is a cherished sister and beloved daughter. Every man loves like Jesus, looking after souls. True justice and equity, righteousness, peace and plenty are the marks of this kingdom, the divine power structure, which undergirds all creation.
We may mourn now under the tyranny of unjust systems of greed, lust and apathy, but people of faith know they are not truly citizens of this world. Therefore we are comforted, even joyful in our hope in the kingdom of heaven.
Philippians 3:20-21 NIV
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Those who mourn will be comforted in the glory of the new creation, which has begun in Christ and in all who have received the Spirit. For the Holy Spirit gives us a foretaste of good things to come.
Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Jesus presents an overturning of the world's power structure. Now the rich and politically powerful rule, but within the kingdom of heaven a very different arrangement is experienced.
Remember Mary's prayer in Luke's gospel?
Luke 1:51-53 NIV
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
What we value and what we see as strength is not eternal, but temporary and tied to a world power structure that is coming to its end. Love is the true power. Love conquers all. Love will triumph. And the greatest of all treasures is love. The Beatles said, "Can't Buy Me Love." Greater than silver and richer than gold is the love of God. But the world is blinded by belief that war is the answer, violence is the means by which to exercise authority. We believe the amassing of wealth is the way to the good life. Jesus will tell you not to store treasures up for yourself that can be stolen or diminish in value. Rather store up treasures in heaven that last forever.
In this life many suffer under the tyranny of the current power structure. Those who mourn the ugliness of this system that ignores the needs of the poor, enslaves workers, oppresses the weak and marginalized, and objectifies women, will one day see the birth of a new way of life in the kingdom of heaven. In the kingdom there is true justice. Every woman is a cherished sister and beloved daughter. Every man loves like Jesus, looking after souls. True justice and equity, righteousness, peace and plenty are the marks of this kingdom, the divine power structure, which undergirds all creation.
We may mourn now under the tyranny of unjust systems of greed, lust and apathy, but people of faith know they are not truly citizens of this world. Therefore we are comforted, even joyful in our hope in the kingdom of heaven.
Philippians 3:20-21 NIV
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Those who mourn will be comforted in the glory of the new creation, which has begun in Christ and in all who have received the Spirit. For the Holy Spirit gives us a foretaste of good things to come.
Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Matthew 5:3
Matthew 5:3 NIV
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
A lot of people have written on the subject of the Beattitudes in Jesus' opening to His amazing Sermon On The Mount. I'm not likely to share anything new, but I will simply reflect on the question, "What does poor in spirit mean for me?"
I'm not poor in finances. Americans live far above third world subsistence living. Although I'm not rich compared to many of my fellow citizens, I'm still part of the shrinking middle class. So I can't credibly comment on what it's like to be poor.
Matthew makes poverty a spiritual issue, not an economic one. Poverty is living without certain means. Poverty means surviving not thriving. It means you are focused on getting through the day alive by scrounging for your basic needs, like shelter, food, and water.
What are my basic needs, spiritually speaking? I think they are similar to physical needs. I need to know that I am safe and secure. The psalms speak of taking refuge in God as our fortress or strong tower, to take shelter in the shadow of His wings. In the same way I need to continually reassure my soul that God is in control, that God is good, and that He works all things together for good, for those who love Him and seek to serve His redemptive purpose in the world. Often the fear of the moment generally works itself out in time, so my panic is unfounded and illogical. Later in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus will remind His followers not to worry, but to seek God's Kingdom and righteousness. All else will be provided. God knows what we need.
I need nourishment for my soul. Encountering the word of God feeds me spiritually. Give us today our daily bread! I search the scriptures, less for information and more for inspiration. God's breath gives me energy for living, like food does for my body.
And I need renewal. Water is vital for life. Without it we diminish and die. Jesus promised that all who come to Him will never thirst again because He would give them the water of life. The Holy Spirit, He said, would well up inside of us overflowing to eternal life! Daily prayer, the Lord's Supper, baptismal renewal, and other means of grace fill me and refill me with the Holy Spirit. My soul's thirst is refreshed and I am renewed.
I think to be poor in spirit means to daily reach for these vital necessities through study, prayer, and the many means of grace, like helping others with the love of God. I recognize I don't own God's grace. I cannot put it in a bank and live off the interest. I can't even purchase grace or work to earn it. I can only receive grace freely given, when I open myself to seeking the kingdom within me and around me.
Some days I'm dirt poor in spirit, and I'm blessed because I know where to go, and to whom, in order to find sustenance.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Indeed. Amen.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
A lot of people have written on the subject of the Beattitudes in Jesus' opening to His amazing Sermon On The Mount. I'm not likely to share anything new, but I will simply reflect on the question, "What does poor in spirit mean for me?"
I'm not poor in finances. Americans live far above third world subsistence living. Although I'm not rich compared to many of my fellow citizens, I'm still part of the shrinking middle class. So I can't credibly comment on what it's like to be poor.
Matthew makes poverty a spiritual issue, not an economic one. Poverty is living without certain means. Poverty means surviving not thriving. It means you are focused on getting through the day alive by scrounging for your basic needs, like shelter, food, and water.
What are my basic needs, spiritually speaking? I think they are similar to physical needs. I need to know that I am safe and secure. The psalms speak of taking refuge in God as our fortress or strong tower, to take shelter in the shadow of His wings. In the same way I need to continually reassure my soul that God is in control, that God is good, and that He works all things together for good, for those who love Him and seek to serve His redemptive purpose in the world. Often the fear of the moment generally works itself out in time, so my panic is unfounded and illogical. Later in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus will remind His followers not to worry, but to seek God's Kingdom and righteousness. All else will be provided. God knows what we need.
I need nourishment for my soul. Encountering the word of God feeds me spiritually. Give us today our daily bread! I search the scriptures, less for information and more for inspiration. God's breath gives me energy for living, like food does for my body.
And I need renewal. Water is vital for life. Without it we diminish and die. Jesus promised that all who come to Him will never thirst again because He would give them the water of life. The Holy Spirit, He said, would well up inside of us overflowing to eternal life! Daily prayer, the Lord's Supper, baptismal renewal, and other means of grace fill me and refill me with the Holy Spirit. My soul's thirst is refreshed and I am renewed.
I think to be poor in spirit means to daily reach for these vital necessities through study, prayer, and the many means of grace, like helping others with the love of God. I recognize I don't own God's grace. I cannot put it in a bank and live off the interest. I can't even purchase grace or work to earn it. I can only receive grace freely given, when I open myself to seeking the kingdom within me and around me.
Some days I'm dirt poor in spirit, and I'm blessed because I know where to go, and to whom, in order to find sustenance.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Indeed. Amen.
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