MAY 8 | MATTHEW 5:2-11

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DAILY READING

Matthew 5:2-11

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REFLECTION

Pie in the Sky? Or Miracle

by Judy Webb

We live in a world full of violence and corruption; a world where might makes right; meaning that those who hold the power can do what they want because no one can stop them. As Christians we know there is a better way, a better path to a brighter and more perfect world; a world where love is the final answer. Do we believe it is attainable, or do we believe it will take a miracle?

We know that our world is upside down. It is obvious to us that good is often viewed as bad, and truth is seen as a lie. This text from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount is an ethical discourse, meant to point out our flaws, and to reveal how our values are way off base. It is time to turn the ship around.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit (v.3), Blessed are those who mourn (v.4), Blessed are the meek (v.5), Blessed are those who hunger (v.6), Blessed are the merciful (v.7), Blessed are the pure in heart (v.8), Blessed are the peacemakers (v.9), Blessed are those who are persecuted (v.10)” Matthew 5:3-10

The first few verses here set forth the character of Kingdom men and women. One commentary describes these Beatitudes as antibiotics from God's pharmacy that can aid life transformation.

This message is primarily for those already committed to following Christ or learning from Him. When originally delivered, Jesus was addressing his disciples, who have already made a commitment to Jesus as Messiah. The crowd, though curious, were not yet sold out for Jesus, but seeds were planted.

The eight points Jesus made are still valid for us today. When we embrace the message and turn to this right-side-up way of living, we Christians will be a positive influence in the world. When we are motivated by love rather than personal gain, we will have obtained utopia. Heaven is real and the Sermon on the Mount is a stepping stone into paradise.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Jesus, for His life which gives me eternal life. As these verses from the Eight Beatitudes promise, we are blessed in so many ways, for so many reasons. Amen.

Find additional "Dying to Live" study materials designed for small groups or individual use here.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

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