Teaching from the Mountainshide - Pt 2.

 

Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:1-3 ESV).

Today we beging to take up the individual teachings of Jesus on the mountainside near the Sea of Galilee. His first lesson is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3). Jesus is talking about our status in life. I found the meme included today and thought how appropo it was to the message. We worry so much about yesterday’s events, circumstances, or errors that we often lose today with all its promise, potential, and reward.

 

We so often are judged solely on what has been rather than what could be. Often the voices of our culture send the same message. We are told that the way to gain status is to earn it. We are rewarded for loyalty. We gain standing in our community or workplace by proving ourselves worthy, by presenting an ideal image of ourselves to those around us. Opportunities are open to those who know the right people and can fit the right mold.

 

As a result, many people think the key to spiritual happiness lies within ourselves. Work hard to meet your goals! God helps those who help themselves! That not only doesn’t work, it destroys what little joy we may find in the moment.

 

Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount by making it clear that happiness is not something we produce or gain in ourselves. Happiness isn’t for those who think they can earn it! It’s not for those who come to Jesus with a long list of achievements. It’s for those who are empty. Broken. Bankrupt. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people who admit they have no way to enter in without God’s help. He offers new life, full and free, to all who trust in his power to save. Give God your brokenness, and he will give you full life.

 

What is it that is keeping you from enjoying this kind of life, this abundant life Jesus promises? If it is pride, recognize that the destruction of pride is the door to happiness. If it is pride or arrogance in your achievements, remember you are really only as good as this moment. The only way to insure that goodness is faith in Christ.