Today’s scripture: Matthew 5:1-12 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Ben Lamb):
Hopefully I’m the only person to have thought the following about this portion of the Bible: I used to not care much for large chunks of the famous Sermon on the Mount. I thought Jesus meant that it’s a good thing to experience certain unpleasant circumstances in life. For example:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit…
- Blessed are those who mourn…
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…
But, a revelation came along as I prayed for guidance as to how to approach this passage. I now believe this whole sermon is a kind of pep talk from Jesus for his followers, not a directive to suffer throughout life! Some examples:
- People whose spirits aren’t strong can receive strength from the fact that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
- Jesus’ followers who are sad can still be comforted by the fact that God’s love and grace will always be with them!
- If people are suffering while acting in godly ways, they can take satisfaction in the fact that they ultimately will receive God’s favor!
Viewing Jesus’ often-quoted sermon in this light is helping me to cope with someone whom I encounter on a frequent basis. This person is stuck in a “woe is me, for I have endured more hardship than anyone else in history” mindset. Granted, she has experienced some unfortunate circumstances in life, but nothing that is anywhere out of the ordinary.
This lady’s life actually is in rather good shape. She has no financial struggles, is in quite decent health, all of her children are living, plus she enjoyed a long and solid marriage while her husband was alive. I’m baffled as to why she apparently enjoys being a self-declared martyr.
But, getting back to an earlier point. My reactions to her attitude toward life have changed and we’re both better for it. I realize it’s unlikely that she will attempt to change, so instead of trying to change her, I’ve changed myself and now doing the following:
- I remind her that the kingdom of heaven awaits her.
- I help her recall the fact that God’s love and grace will be with her forever.
- And, she especially enjoys Jesus’ promise about those who are persecuted!
Since I’ve changed my way of interacting with this person, our times together definitely are going more smoothly.
Thought for today: Sometimes I ought to change my way of being even when it seems that I shouldn’t have to. If I do so in a Christ-like way, the results can be unexpectedly positive for myself and others.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.