I am looking forward to preaching at Rising Star Baptist Church this Sunday, November 25 at 8:00 am and 11:00 am.
I’ll be preaching on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). I’m thinking about how we can stop chasing blessing. By chasing, I don’t think we’ll ever catch the promises of the beatitudes. The beatitudes are promises from God. They are a blessing promised by God to those people who are already what the beatitudes describe. So
the meek,
the merciful,
the mourning
hear this as a word of encouragement and consolation.
The beatitudes are God’s promises for
hurting and
humble and
hungry people.
And they are surprising promises, because we notice Jesus’ blessings completely reverse the values of most human societies, including our own. Jesus is describing an alternate reality of blessing that is a reversal of the values that most of us hold in our culture.
We are all chasing a blessing. But it can’t be caught. It can only be given. And received.
Blessed are you who are poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you who are mourning, for you will be comforted.
Blessed are you meek ones, for you will inherit the earth.
Blessed are you who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for you will be filled.
Blessed are you who are merciful, for you will receive mercy.
Blessed are you, the pure in heart, for you will see God.
Blessed are you peacemakers, for you will be called children of God.
Blessed are you who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.
God loves you. You are blessed.
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