Alrighty then

The Sermon on the mount begins with an inward look at our hearts. I am struggling today with people’s words and deeds around me and my eyes rest on verse 3. “Blessed are the poor in spirit..” Literally meaning you have deep joy to know one’s own spiritual bankruptcy, regard one’s self as insignificant. How does that bring me or you deep joy? The kingdom of heaven is ours.

It begins with me. I see my own heart first. I see the times I have said and done things that have injured and wounded. It hits me, how often has that been without even realizing it? Ouch. Maybe words on a post. Maybe something I said that was overheard. Taken out of context.

So, I grieve first about my own nature and words. Something that I am slowly grasping as I work my way through the Sermon, the “not yet”. Verses 3-12 all have a sense of future.

• Will be comforted vs. 4
• Will inherit the earth vs. 5
• Will be filled vs. 6
• Will be shown mercy vs. 7
• Will see God vs. 8
• Will be called sons of God vs 9
• Kingdom of heaven is theirs vs 3, 10

And separating even further, vs. 3-6 are inwardly focused. 6-10 are outward.

• Poor in spirit (we already discussed this) vs. 3
• those who mourn (over sins) vs 4
• Humble v. 5
• Hunger and thirst for righteousness (I’m going to need to word search righteousness through the Sermon) vs 6

Our whole mindset is to be counter cultural. As we begin in chapter 6, we see Jesus give examples of how to live this out daily in giving, praying and fasting. It begins with knowing our own need for Christ. Knowing none of this can be done without the Spirit. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 this comes to mind! We start our day with this truth in our mind, we are poor in spirit. we do have sin and need the cleansing power of the blood of Christ daily. may we be humble before him. And may we hunger and thirst for righteousness.

So that we may be…

• Merciful vs. 7
• Pure in heart vs. 8
• Peacemakers vs. 9

If you could see me now, my hands, when not typing, are outstretched and my head is shaking. I think of issues of justice and I certainly don’t have all the answers here. I know right now that I need the mercy of God in my own life. I want to see God and hear his voice throughout my life.

Good reminders for me today.