Sitting down with Jesus

 

        

A special way to share moments with Jesus is to read the Gospels. As we begin this new series, we will walk with Him on His earthly journey. I pray the Lord blesses us and that these experiences make a profound impact on our lives.

                                                        The Beatitudes

Blessings!

 When did you last feel crushed? Or has the blue dog of depression sunk its paws onto your shoulders, dragging you to despair? When that happens, you have a choice: either believe Satan's mixture of truth and lies, or consider how Jesus can lift you out of it.  

    Two thousand years ago, Jesus climbed a Galilean mountain to sit with his new disciples. Some of them had followed John the Baptist, but King Herod had imprisoned him. Before John's death, he pointed them to Jesus, and He asked them to come, see him in action, and then to follow him. His direct approach to healing, hope and truth captured their attention.

 Let’s eavesdrop on his message.

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

   Over the next three years, the disciples confronted moments of discouragement, poverty and confusion, and on that mountain, Jesus began preparing them for the onslaught. They also saw miracles. We're no different. We wonder how we will negotiate loss or strife and whether we’ll survive it. Yet, in mental 'poverty', God gives us spiritual wealth. If hope is a distant dream, remember we belong in the kingdom of heaven, and God’s storehouses of hope, provision and love are available to us.

Listen to Jesus: 

 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

    Death is as much a part of our experience as living. You may always carry grief or loss, but Jesus’s comfort and restoration ease the pain. In my experience, my heavenly Father has replaced emptiness with his comfort and faithful love, and I know he’ll always comfort me. I’ve read many messages of comfort and hope in his precious Word, meditated on them, and claimed his promises as my own. Although God allows us to suffer loss, he uses it to teach us about hope and dependence on him. Since Jesus endured loss, pain and suffering, he empathizes with our experiences. So, if you are caught in grief, you are blessed because Jesus will comfort you. 

 What else did he say? 

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

    Was Jesus being paradoxical? If we’re aware of our faults, will they hinder ambition? If we're unselfish, and meek among our friends and family, will we suffer loss? What matters most? Humility in God’s eyes or fame and material wealth? We may suffer material loss, but we will grow closer to Jesus. When he reigns on earth, he will reward the humble. We’ll serve in his kingdom, sharing in his inheritance.

   If Jesus is our Master, his truth shines a light on our souls. He becomes our identity, and we see ourselves through his eyes. This is true meekness and humility. We are precious because he loves us, and free from the power of sin because he has redeemed us. What an amazing inheritance!

 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

    Jesus’ entire mission was to reveal his Father to the world, to create in us a hunger and thirst for God. As Jesus explained this message, he claimed to be the Bread of Life and Living Water. He’s truth, the essence of righteousness, and he will satisfy us with his goodness, love and wisdom. Do you want to know God? If you ask Jesus, he’ll introduce you to his Father. He will fill you with his truth, and it will make you righteous, acceptable to God.

 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

    Mercy and compassion are twins. Jesus showed his love to the weak, humble and needy by his compassion. Just as he has shown us mercy, let’s be merciful. He spared us eternal judgment in hell by enduring punishment for our sins. Are we followers of Jesus? Let’s do as he does. 

 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

   Only Jesus is pure in heart. Does that imply nobody can see God? We will see him because Jesus has made us righteous. His perfect sacrifice removed God’s condemnation and satisfied His justice. Let’s honor Jesus, living in truth, integrity and justice, owning and honoring the purity he has won for us.

 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

   Do you have a deep-seated yearning for peace? In a broken world, peace is fleeting. From damaged family relationships to nations at war, it’s difficult to create peace between warring parties. I pray that as God’s children we will speak His truth, love and peace into our homes and to the leaders of our nations. A gentle reply quiets fury, since love softens hearts and unlocks tranquility, but bitterness, jealousy and hatred inflame conflict. 

 “Blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of God.”

   When we face opposition because of our Christian faith, insult, destruction or loss may crush us. Let’s remember Jesus is the primary target. We will find comfort if we pray for his enemies. We are to love them and do good to those who abuse us. Justice may never surface in our lifetime, but we will inherit the kingdom of God, and he will avenge his enemies. Whatever we lose for Jesus’ sake is insignificant compared to the riches awaiting us in heaven. This isn’t a ‘pie in the sky’ as some may claim. Heaven is real, and Jesus is eternal. We serve a living God.

    Jesus began the discourse on the mountain with twelve disciples. After two millennia, His followers number in the millions. Whether we’re depressed, oppressed, seeking God, hungry for truth and assurance, Jesus still comforts, reassures and guides us. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever. I pray His words resonate with you because He is God, our Lord, Savior and the wisest Friend who can meet your needs and answer your questions.

If you have time, read Matthew 5:1-11 

 He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6b NIV