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.
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