The Beatitudes - Pt 2

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:3 ESV).

 

As we begin our trek through the Beatitudes it is helpful to read the words of Augustine as he begins his exposition of these virtues:

 

“If any one will piously and soberly consider the sermon which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke on the mount, as we read it in the Gospel according to Matthew, I think that he will find in it, so far as regards the highest morals, a perfect standard of the Christian life: and this we do not rashly venture to promise, but gather it from the very words of the Lord Himself. For the sermon itself is brought to a close in such a way, that it is clear there are in it all the precepts which go to mould the life.”

 

We can find “a perfect standard of the Christian life” in the teaching of Jesus here. Our problem, as is often the case, is in the interpretation of these words. So, today, we consider what Jesus means when He indicates our focus should be in being “poor in spirit.” The Greek word used for “poor” is πτωχός (ptóchos). It is a straight-forward word used over 30 times in the New Testament. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance it means “to crouch; akin to ptoeo and the alternate of pipto.” It may be translated as beggar (as cringing). The idea is that of a pauper strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy.” It has then been translated as “poor.” The idea is “bankrupt.”

 

Jesus then qualifies this description by saying it abject poverty “in spirit.” This refers to spiritual humility. It describes someone who recognizes their spiritual bankruptcy, their inability to earn salvation, and their complete dependence on God. There is no other way to gain the Kingdom of God.

 

I always find it interesting how so many people somehow believe at some level that they can do enough good things to balance the bad, perhaps even outweighing the bad enough that they can gain the Kingdom of God which they so desperately seek. The prophet Isaiah wrote: “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 ESV). 

The only source of assurance in eternal life is in the gift of God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Faith in His work and the humility that comes from it results in heaven! What are you trusting in?

 

The Beatitudes - Pt 1

 

Seeing the crowds, he [Jesus] 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. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1–12 ESV).

 

I have looked back in the archives of Morning Devotionals and have not found any that I have used containing all of the verses of today’s reading in at least five years. They are known commonly as “the Beatitudes,” and are a part of the larger teaching of Jesus that is known as “the Sermon on the Mount” (cf. Matthew 5-7). I must confess that these devotionals will read a bit more pedantic rather than inspirational. However, when we understand that discipleship is about learning as much as being encouraged, we are able to receive the full blessing of God’s intent to sanctify us making us fit for our heavenly home. So, today, we will begin our journey through these verses with a bit of background and end with a bit of wisdom.

 

The Beatitudes are a set of teachings delivered by Jesus Christ within the context of His teaching the multitudes that gathered on the hillside in northern Israel on the northwestern shores of the Sea of Galilee. This site overlooks the fertile Plain of Gennesaret and sits near the ancient fishing village of Capernaum. They consist of eight powerful declarations of blessing, each outlining a specific virtue or circumstance that leads to this divine favor and a spiritual reward.

 

The word “beatitudes” is derived from the Latin beatus ("blessed" or "happy"). The Beatitudes are a revolutionary framework for Christian living that challenges traditional values of power and wealth. These teachings outline the values of God's Kingdom on Earth, often focusing on inner virtue over external status. Since we are nearly overwhelmed with the concept of “more” in our culture, especially wealth, power, and prominence it will serve us well to understand and practice each of these in our lives.

 

Two of the questions we may start with in beginning this series are “Am I happy? Am I Blessed?” Using those as a prompt for meditation we may arrive at the conclusion that we are chasing the wrong things for happiness and blessing. Then it becomes easier to make the course corrections Jesus indicates in these declarations.

God is Faithful in His Protection

 

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12–13 ESV).

 

Our reading today is well known to most of us. We have read or heard it spoken many times. Yet, if you are like me, you have wondered at those times when we feel our weakest that it cannot be true. However, that feeling does not diminish the truth of it. There is so much comfort in this verse. First, it says that there is no unprecedented temptation. Countless others before us have walked through the same temptations, and none of those trials are a surprise to God. And “God is faithful” not to let us have more than we can handle. He will always make a path of faithfulness for us. God will always make the pathway out clear. There will be a way of escape.

 

God is faithful to look out for our spiritual growth and salvation!  He desires to make us righteous!  He never tempts us.  However, He does test us, providing opportunities to prove us faithful.  When we demonstrate ourself to be faithful, He credits us with righteousness!  Yes, God is sweet!  He tests us to bless us! Heaven is going to be awesome!!

 

If you are experiencing trial or temptation, please understand that Jesus knows exactly what you are going through.  God manifested Himself in the flesh to be our example!  No temptation is stronger than our spiritual assets.  Through Scripture, we are instructed in the way to escape temptation.  We have help with faithfulness and self-control from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Christ knows our strengths and weaknesses and has angels on guard for our well-being. Don’t be tempted to turn your back on God.  Be faithful to trust Him wholeheartedly.  He will help bear your load and escape temptation as He sees you through to a much brighter and greener pasture.

 

God is Faithful in His Eternal Love

 

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. (Psalm 36:5–9 ESV).

 

The playground taunt of “you’re an Indian giver” has existed for literally over 200 years. But the concept of "Indian giving" has been misunderstood and misinterpreted for nearly all those years. The concept of an "Indian gift" or an "Indian giver" traces its roots back to at least the 1700s. In his 1765 History of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Thomas Hutchinson defined an Indian gift as a present "for which an equivalent return is expected." During their legendary journey West in 1804, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark often encountered Native Americans over the course of their travels. The picture the pair paints of Indians and their culture was not pretty. Lewis and Clark frequently suspected Indians of either stealing their belongings or plotting to do so. This concept stuck. Author David Wilton argues in his 2004 book Word Myths: Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends that the concept of an "Indian gift" arose when white settlers misinterpreted the Native American concept of bartering:

 

"To an Indian, the giving of gifts was an extension of this system of trade, and a gift was expected to be reciprocated with something of equal value. Europeans, upon encountering this practice, misunderstood it, considering it uncouth and impolite. To them, trade was conducted with money, and gifts were freely given with nothing expected in return. So, this native practice got a bad reputation among the white colonists of North America and the term eventually became a playground insult."

 

In the spirit of the correct understanding of an “Indian giver,” that is to say someone who gives or receives with an expectation of reciprocation, let me say, God is not such a giver. He gives His love with no requirements of a return gift. That is the very definition of grace. The apostle Paul explains this in his letter to the Romans:

 

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6–8 ESV).

 

This is the central essence of God’s love for His children. He gives without expectation of anything in return. Of course, that does not mean we should not express our gratitude. However, our act of gratitude is not the motivation for God’s love. He loves us because that is who He is! Now, that sustains and encourages me, because I have nothing worthy to give in return. Yet, He loves me! He loves me because I am His child, not because of what I do or don’t do! Hallelujah!

 

God is Fathful in His Consistency

 

With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; with the purified you deal purely,        and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous. You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down. For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. (2 Samuel 22:26–31 ESV).

 

Just in case we needed a reminder concerning the constant love and provision of God toward those He has called to be His children our reading today is repeated in Psalm 25. In that psalm David expresses in prayer his desire to take refuge in the Lord and walk in God’s ways. It is very similar to the first two psalms (cf. Psalm 1, 2). He petitions the Lord for guidance and protection from his enemies. But like us, David struggles to pray with confidence because he is very aware of his sinfulness. He begs God for forgiveness throughout the Psalm. But David also asserts his unwavering trust in the Lord—a trust that is not shaken by circumstances outside him or by the guilt within him. Although the Bible doesn’t give us the historical background for this Psalm, we can assume that it was written during a time of serious trouble in David’s life.  Throughout David’s life, he had many periods of trial or struggle in his life, from his time being hunted by Saul to the loss of his son. Based on his reference to the sins of his youth, we can also assume that it was written later in his life.

 

Since I have lived for over seven decades it is a bit easier to identify with David in this principle. I can look back over the years and recall so many times when God’s consistency has proven true in my life. That is even more vivid in my own inconsistency.

 

As I have worked with others in their realization of how inconsistent we can be as humans, I have used a stark reality in the process of the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification. “Sanctification” is merely the work of making each of us fit for the kingdom of God. We have entrance into heaven as a result of Jesus’ atoning work on the cross; however, being ready for heaven is a process God initiates and completes through our journey. One of the greatest things about this process is realizing the truth that God has done it all! When I start to think of “my effort” I can realize it is nothing compared to His consistent work of grace for my good. Trust in that consistency in your life!

God is Faithful in His Mercy

 

So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the first. And he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand two tablets of stone. The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. And he said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us, for it is a stiff-necked people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.” (Exodus 34:4–9 ESV).

 

Our reading today comes after Moses receives God’s commandments on a second set of stone tablets, the Lord gives Moses a testimony of His faithfulness. When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the first set, he found the people worshipping a golden calf they had made to represent God. It angered him so much he threw the tablets down breaking them to pieces. He retreats to the mountaintop, and God instructs Him with mercy.

 

It is here that God descends in a cloud and stands with Moses on Mount Sinai to proclaim His own name and character. This passage is considered one of the most significant self-revelations of God in the Bible, often referred to as the "Thirteen Attributes of Mercy" in Jewish tradition. God reveals His character to Moses. He describes Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. He promises to forgive sins but also states that He will not leave the guilty unpunished, noting the consequences of sin passed down to future generations.

 

It is this faithfulness in mercy that should give all of us hope. We have all created our “golden calf’s.” Whatever you may have done or not done, God’s mercy is forever extended to His children and the atoning work of Jesus is applied to grant forgiveness and restoration.

God is Faithful in His Goodness

 

I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:4–10 ESV).

 

Many Christians experience doubt about God's character at some point in their faith walk and ask, “Is God truly good?” All of us have those moments. In the book of Genesis, God commands Abram (whom he would later rename Abraham) to go to another land, which God promised to give to Abram’s offspring. All along this journey, Abram repeatedly doubts God’s goodness toward him. He especially doubts God’s promise concerning his “offspring”. Abram and his wife were already old, and they had never been able to conceive. That doubt leads Abram to conceive a child with his wife’s servant. The resulting jealousy and resentment cause strife and heartache for all involved. Despite all that, Abraham and his wife finally have a son, Isaac, when they are very old. Later, God tells Abraham: “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you” (Genesis 22:2). Now fully trusting in God’s goodness, Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac, the heir for whom he had waited so long. In the end, God stops Abraham: “‘Do not lay a hand on the boy,’ he said. ‘Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son’” (Genesis 22:12). This “test” was more for Abraham than God.

 

Many doubters follow Abraham. Moses doubts God’s goodness in the choice of sending him to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Even after God shows him several signs that he will be with him and grant him power, Moses remains afraid and offers several well-reasoned excuses for why God should send someone else (Exodus 3-4). But God had called Moses, and he kept all his promises to Moses and the Israelites. The prophet Elijah also doubted God’s goodness. Having just defeated the prophets of Baal by calling down fire from heaven, Elijah immediately doubts God’s power to protect him from Queen Jezebel’s vengeance. He was so despondent that he wanted to die. Yet, like Moses, God had more work for Elijah to do, reassuring him with a gentle whisper (1 Kings 18-19). 

 

Clearly, we are not alone in questioning God’s goodness. And these examples all come from the Old Testament, from which many questions about God’s goodness arise. The Old Testament characterizes God as holy, just, and merciful, but also shows him as jealous, wrathful, and vengeful. In Genesis, God almost completely destroys his creation with a global flood. In Deuteronomy, God commands the Israelites:

 

In the cities of the nations the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. Completely destroy them—the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—as the Lord your God has commanded you. Otherwise, they will teach you to follow all the detestable things they do in worshiping their gods, and you will sin against the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 20:16-18).

 

These judgments can really make us uneasy. In our modern mindset, we may find it hard to understand or accept that God the Creator is wholly sovereign over all his creation and reserves for himself the authority to pronounce verdict and sentence against those who sin against him. And that this God is the same loving, merciful, and approachable God depicted in the New Testament. He is, in fact, the same God whose character Jesus Christ perfectly embodies.

 

Jesus shows us who God is and perfectly represents all God’s goodness. We live in a time when God’s kingdom is breaking through, but has not yet come in its fullness. In our faith journeys with Christ, the circumstances of our lives may lead us to wonder what God is doing and to doubt his ultimate goodness. But we can’t allow ourselves to stay there. In prayer, we can go before our Father in heaven and confess our struggle, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). And he promises to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and to be an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).

 

We can trust in the faithfulness of the goodness of God!

 

 

The Faithfulness of God

 

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:4–9 ESV).

 

The simple declaration of the Apostle Paul at the end of our reading today is that “God is faithful” (v. 9). I cannot count the number of times I have been asked how this can be true. The context is usually in the midst of severe trial or feelings of loss. Often it is the thought people have as they have prayed and prayed for the intervention of God on behalf of a loved one and it seems as if God has abandoned them in a capricious choice of inaction.  

 

This month’s devotionals will focus on God’s faithfulness to his people—all who believe in the Lord and trust in his promises. The story of God’s love and care for us is presented in the Bible, where we read of God’s plan to bring redemption to the world and to bless all nations through his people, from whom the Savior of the world has come. That Savior is Jesus Christ, whose birth was foretold in one of the Bible’s earliest chapters. I pray that we will reflect together on how God worked faithfully for generations to bring about his salvation, and how the Lord welcomes, leads, and guides us into full life in his kingdom today.

 

Let me share one illustration at the beginning of our study that comes from Fr. Gregory Pine, who is an American Dominican friar and theologian. Pine is an assistant professor of Dogmatic and Moral theology at the Dominican House of Studies and an Assistant director of the Thomistic Institute. Recently, while listening to a podcast he was featured in, he said that Jesus often uses illustrations from the agriculture. We shouldn’t be surprised by this as we are plainly told that Adam and Eve were created in part to care for the Garden of Eden where they were placed.

 

Pine said that we often find our the task of caring for a garden uninspiring; however, when we think of the entire process it is an incredible look at how we can order our lives. If I were to desire to plant some summer vegetables, my first task would be to prepare the ground. That might involve breaking up and tilling the ground. It certainly would be essential for me to remove all the weeds in the spot I had chosen. It might take days to finish the task, but at the end of it I could look at the plot and admire the clear ground I’d created. However, it would be very unsatisfying to stop at that point. All I’d have would be a bare plot of dirt. The next step would be to plant those vegetables I want to harvest. I would certainly want tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. I might want to plant some onions or even lettuce. Once the seed begins to sprout and the plants mature they would flower and produce their respective fruit. It would be a much more beautiful plot.

 

Often we are only able to see the tilled soil and bare ground of the beginning of the work of God that we call sanctification. It may be hard and painful to see ourselves at that point. There are those times when the bare plot of our lives will seem empty and worthless. However, that is but the beginning of the work of the Holy Spirit. Unlike us, He is never tempted to quit before the harvest is full and plentiful. That is the faithfulness of God. He has a plan and is in the process of making it a reality in us. We will see this in each of the examples I’ve chosen to look at in the coming month.

 

For now, trust His faithfulness!

 

Happy Birthday, Mary!

 

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 ESV).

 

It might seem a bit strange to choose this passage today (cf. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12); however, it seemed fitting to use to honor and celebrate Mary’s birthday. I’m usually a bit subtle about revealing her age, as I will be today. I often tell people, “I’m ugly, not stupid.” That applies to revealing her age! Let’s just say that we have been married for nearly 57 years; you can do the math and get close.

 

I have chosen a caricature made with ChatGPT from a picture taken just outside the Apple Barn Restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to attach to today’s devotional/birthday wish. Mary and I began going to the Smokies over five decades ago. Actually, it was before we were married. That trip was wonderous. I had never traveled more than a hundred miles from Galveston until that time. I’d never seen such beauty and grandeur in nature before. I must have seemed such a dweeb as she and her family listened to my exclamations along the route. One particular question seemed to be paramount for me, especially as we crossed the Mississippi River into Tennessee. Getting a bit passed Jackson, Tennessee, I wondered what the mountains would look like. At every turn in the highway I’d see “hills” in the distance and ask, “Are those the mountains?” The answer would come back simply as “not yet.” It wasn’t until Knoxville that the terrain began to change drastically; and, suddenly the Smokies loomed on the horizon. I had to pull the car over and park for a moment or two, snapping some pictures with a small Kodak camera. It was amazing!

 

However, that was just the beginning of amazing things in my life. What I discovered through the years was the most amazing experience in my life would be the strength and joy I would receive with her by my side through the joys and sorrows of life. We still make a trip back to the mountains as often as possible. It is a strong reminder of the treasure God has gifted to us by joining us together in life. Two ARE better than one. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. With Jesus in our life, standing the tests of life have proven that truth from Solomon.

So, Happy Birthday, Mary! It seems such an inadequate expression of all that I celebrate today. However, I hope it touches the tip of the unfathomable riches of this life you have brought to me.

 

To others reading this today, I hope you have such a treasure in your life. No doubt there are some, for many reasons, that do not. I pray you will receive joy and hope in knowing that the Lord knows what you are walking through and He will never fail you. Trust in Him. He has not closed the book He is writing in your life!

 

Who Am I - I Am a New Person

 

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:7–16 ESV).

 

Identity theft is a growing threat today. Scammers try to steal our personal information and gain access to our financial accounts. In the spirit world, another identity thief lurks as well. The master deceiver, Satan, tries to rob believers of the assurance of their new identity in Christ. He tries to sow seeds of doubt, despair, confusion, and insecurity within us. If he cannot possess us, the devil wants at least to wear us down and make us feel defeated, limiting our service for God and his kingdom.

 

But we are not alone. We have the presence of God in our hearts, and we have God’s Word to assure us and strengthen us with the truth. Jesus promises that we will have life to the full, and no one can snatch us out of his hand (John 10:28-30). The Lord and his Word remain our best protection, affirming that we are not defined by past successes or failures but only by our union with Christ. Through faith, we receive his righteousness and become the children of God. We are forgiven, cleansed, and commissioned to be his representatives in the world. As God’s handiwork, we are created to do good works that honor the Lord and bring blessing to others. As God reassures us through his Spirit and his Word, we are redeemed, beloved, and empowered to live out his purposes with confidence and grace each day.

 

Who Am I - I Am More than a Conqueror

 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31–39 ESV).

 

In times of uncertainty and seeming chaos, it’s natural for people to seek out a strong leader to restore order and bring resolution. It may be a military hero, a political figure, or a charismatic leader. We often look to our own resources to bring stability to a volatile situation, don’t we? Yet when we discover the ultimate victor and King, Jesus Christ, we learn, as he states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

In our reading today, the Apostle Paul gives us great detail about what this means in our lives. He says that through Christ's love, believers not only achieve victory, but overcome adversity with overwhelming triumph. Instead of simply surviving, God's power ensures that even the most difficult hardships serve a greater purpose. The original Greek word used by the Apostle Paul is hypernikōmen, meaning "super-conquerors" or complete victors. This means all our pain is repurposed to bring good in our lives. A standard conqueror defeats an enemy, but one who is more than a conqueror turns that opposition into a growth opportunity. It is also a product of God’s unconditional love. Paul concludes that neither trouble, hardship, nor death can separate believers from the love of God.

 

Through his triumph over sin and death, Jesus declares victory over every force that opposes God and his plan of restoration. His victory brings hope to believers, promising peace and triumph despite the trials and struggles they may endure. The victory Jesus won through his death and resurrection is now shared with his followers. Our identity in Christ transforms us into victors who have new, full life forever in Christ.

 

Who Am I - I Am a Friend of God

 

[Jesus said] “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.” (John 15:9–17 ESV).

 

If you are my age you probably remember the televised escapades of Lucy and Ethel from the sitcom “I Love Lucy.” It was a staple in most homes beginning in 1951 and running for six season, though it has been in reruns for decades. It is still available through various streaming platforms. They were best friends and “partners in crime” throughout those years. It is still one of Mary’s favorites!

 

Having friends is a great blessing. Friends multiply our joys and divide our sorrows. Friends walk in when the rest of the world walks out. Friends know all about us, and they still love us anyway. Proverbs 18:24 notes that “a friend . . . sticks closer than a brother. In other words, a true friend can be relied upon and is always there for us.

 

The amazing thing is that Jesus, the Savior and King of creation, calls believers his friends. As believers in Christ, we are not just subjects or servants of the Lord of the universe; we are his friends. And he is loyal and true, sticking closer than a blood brother. In our reading today, Jesus explains that, like a true friend, he is transparent and open with us: “Everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” No secrets, no deception, no masks — just an open heart entrusted to his friends.

 

The truest sign of friendship is sacrificial love. Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus demonstrated this when he went to the cross to pay the price for all our sin. He considered friendship with us so important that he surrendered his very life in order to secure it. We are friends of God!

 

Who Am I - I Am Salt

 

[Jesus said] “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13 ESV).

 

There are times when I am in the mood for a salty snack. I’m not picky, though it needs to be salty. In fact, I’ve been known to salt my watermelon as I think it enhances the flavor. All of us have some level of desire to use salt on our foods. That’s because when we add salt to snacks, vegetables, and other things we eat because it enhances the flavor. When Jesus used this metaphor in our reading today, He was illustrating the believer’s distinctive role in the world. He implied that we are to add a similarly positive influence on our surroundings, in a way like salt can.

 

Think of how salt enhances the flavor of foods, often making them tastier and more palatable. Christ’s presence within us can similarly add taste to life. Our presence can inject joy and zest into our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We can help make gatherings and settings more pleasant, positive, and welcoming.

 

There are other uses of salt as well as a flavoring. Think of how salt can melt snow and ice. As Christ-followers, we can help to thaw the cold indifference that this world often portrays. God’s love, which fills us and overflows from us, has the power to soften hardened hearts, thaw frozen relationships, and dissolve disagreements.

 

In addition, salt serves as a preservative. Before we had refrigeration, salt was the primary method of preserving perishable foods. Similarly, we can help to turn back the corrosive effects of sin in the world. As followers of Jesus, we can bring God’s healing, regenerative power to bear on all kinds of situations.

 

No wonder calls us to be “salt” in the world. It is a part of who we are. We must use this part of our character to impact our world!

 

Who Am I - I Am a Light

 

[Jesus said] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16 ESV).

 

The picture I’ve attached (created by ChatGPT) is a very accurate view of the Parker County Courthouse in the center of Weatherford, Texas. While it is not “on a hill,” it can clearly be seen from our house which is about ten miles south of it. Of course, to see the details binoculars are a necessary tool; however, the lights of the courthouse and surrounding buildings are unmistakable from our vantage point. We are located on a bit of a hill that overlooks the city. It is especially beautiful on a clear night.

 

When we are born again in Jesus, by his Spirit, we undergo a transformation. Our spiritual life is changed as we become new creatures in Christ. As new creations, we transition from being self-serving to being self-giving. We radiate the light and life of Jesus wherever we go. In our reading today, Jesus uses a simple yet profound metaphor in “light.” He is illustrating this personal transformation and the new role we take on in our daily living. Light is life-giving. It brings warmth, energy, and clarity to any situation. When Jesus’ power flows through us, we become a catalyst for positive change in our surroundings.

 

This doesn’t mean we are like the sun—generating light on our own. We are more like the moon, reflecting the light of Jesus so that others don’t have to stumble in the darkness of this world.

 

However, if we hide our light under a bowl, if we try to keep Jesus to ourselves, we make ourselves ineffective. And, worse, people will remain stuck in darkness, blinded by sin. For the sake of the world that Jesus came to save, we need to break out of our holy huddles and shine brightly for Jesus.

 

Who Am I - I Am a Branch

 

[Jesus said] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (John 15:1–8 ESV).

 

Have you ever seen the damage to trees after a heavy windstorm? Limbs and branches are often strewn about the landscape, and some land on houses and cars, causing even more damage. Often those branches still have healthy-looking leaves and fruit, but we know they will soon die. When a branch is severed from the main trunk, its vitality is lost. Its lifeline is gone. Its leaves will wither and die, and its fruit will decay.

 

Jesus conveys a similar message in our reading today, saying, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” He helps us to see that if we break away from him—the true vine—we will not have his spiritual life in us. Though we may appear vibrant for a while, we will lack the capacity to produce spiritual life, health, or fruit on our own. Only if we stay connected to Jesus can we bear spiritual fruit that endures.

 

The main function of a vine such as a grapevine is to bear fruit. And fruit-bearing sums up our purpose as followers of Jesus. In fact, Jesus explains that every branch that bears no fruit will be cut off. But with his Spirit living in us, we will yield fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (cf.  Galatians 5:22-23). This is our calling; this is a vital part of who we are.

 

Who Am I - I Am a Witness

 

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts 1:6–9 ESV).

 

Before going back to heaven, Jesus called each of his followers to be a witness for him. A witness is someone who can attest to what they have seen or experienced personally. This calling applies to all of us who follow Jesus today as well. We are called to be reliable witnesses, sharing with others the grace of God that we have personally witnessed and experienced in our lives. This lies at the heart of our identity as followers of Christ.

 

The task that Jesus has entrusted to us is to carry his life-saving message wherever we go. This magnificent, global mission began with Jesus’ first-century followers, and it continues with his 21st-century followers today.

 

Empowered by his Spirit, we have a story to tell and a life-altering encounter to share. While others may have doubts about the Bible’s teaching or quibble about theology, they cannot refute our personal experience. They cannot change what we know to be true about God’s work in our hearts and lives.

 

Jesus recognized that a transformed life becomes an unstoppable force for good and for God in this world. To the people around you, there is no one better positioned to testify to the life-changing power of God than you.

 

Think of a story you can share with someone about the Lord’s work in your life. Whom will you tell today? This is a part of who we are!

 

Who Am I - I Am a Steward

 

[Jesus said] “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.” (Matthew 25:14–19 ESV).

 

A steward is someone who takes care of and manages someone else’s property or belongings. The steward is not the owner but is responsible to the owner for all that the owner has entrusted to them. Stewardship deals with our responsibility over much more than mere money. The Bible includes many examples of stewardship. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, he charged them with its care (cf. Genesis 2:15). Since the beginning, humans have been entrusted by God to steward his creation, his blessings, and the very lives he gives them.

 

In Jesus’ parable in our Bible reading today, three servants received bags of gold from their master before he left on a journey. They were expected to be productive, innovative, and enterprising with what they had been given. Specifically, they were to invest their master’s resources in worthwhile ventures, aiming for growth and multiplication. While two servants faithfully embraced this responsibility, one did not. The master’s approval clearly fell upon the two who were faithful.

 

As the Lord’s stewards, we don’t possess anything on our own. All we have is entrusted to us by our gracious heavenly Father. Yet while we live and breathe, we are called to nurture and care for what God has given us, using it for his glory. Then one day we too will hear the Master’s words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

 

What a commendation! Is that what you long to hear when you see Him? If your answer is affirmation, then be a good steward of that which He has entrusted to your care!

 

Who Am I - I Am an Intercessor

 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–7 ESV).

 

Many years ago in my first full-time pastorate I had a wonderful and instructive visit with one of the older members of the church. She was 92 years old at the time and somewhat frail, though she was able to live in her home. Her children were very attentive to her and cared for her each day making sure she had her medications and meals. Her body was deteriorating, though her mind was as sharp as any. During my visit she apologized profusely for not being able to attend church. She went on to say that she had heard many good things about the “young” pastor’s sermons. Wistfully she said she would love to be there to show her support. I told her that the greatest thing she could do for our church and for me personally was to pray daily that we would be the church God desired us to be. She agreed to pray daily.

 

Each time I went back to visit I was so encouraged by her faithfulness to keep her promise to pray. She kept a list of the specific things I would ask her to pray about. She loved to cross them off as I reported the success of her prayers. Indeed, God has shown in the Bible that he uses the prayers of his people in his kingdom-building work in this world. Many examples show that God often provides what his people ask for in prayer. It certainly made a difference to me!

 

Of course, I am not saying that God is something like a good-luck charm or a magic genie that grants our wishes. Our prayers need to be in line with God’s will for our lives and for his kingdom work in this world (cf. Matthew 6:9-13; 1 John 5:14-15). And while God will often answer our prayers aligning with his will, there are times when the answer may be different from what we ask. At times we don’t understand God’s will or his plans or even his ways (cf. Isaiah 55).

 

In 1 Timothy 2 Paul urges believers to intercede (pray) for everyone—including “kings and all those in authority”—because “this is good, and pleases God our Savior.” When we intercede faithfully for others, we become personally involved in God’s redemptive work. Each spiritual victory, I believe, is a testament to the fact that someone has been praying. Each of us are to be such intercessors!

 

Who Am I - I Am a Student

 

Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:14–18 ESV).

 

Usually we begin our “formal education” at the age of five. It continues for at least another twelve or thirteen years. For many that time is extended with college or university education. Even those who opt for technical training require more time to secure the education and training necessary to pursue their chosen career. The instruction we receive during that time provides us with the building blocks we need for a productive life.

 

As believers in Christ, we are also students of Him. We need to learn God’s Word and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Savior. We need to absorb God’s Word continuously as the Holy Spirit transforms us His power. He is the One who works in us and teaches us the truth and wisdom of God. Daily we need to walk in step with the Lord and his Spirit, growing to know God and to share his love with others everywhere.

 

I love the little fable of a man on a stroll who hears a voice say to him: “Gather some pebbles.” Though he sees no one, the voice persists: “Gather some pebbles and put them in your pocket, and tomorrow you will be both glad and sorry.” Intrigued, the man thinks, “Why not?” So, he picks up a few pebbles and puts them in his pocket. The next day he discovers they have been transformed into diamonds. Then he feels gladness for taking some, and he is sorry for not taking more.

 

Similarly, our study of God’s Word may not reveal its benefits right away. Yet over time, nuggets of truth and wisdom will prove to be valuable treasures—blessing our lives in countless ways. Be a diligent and constant student of the truth of God!