Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Kingdom Character

Matthew 5:1-6


The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew 5-7, has been called "The Greatest Sermon Ever Preached". In it, Jesus taught His disciples within earshot of the crowds that followed Him. This sermon presents the essence of Jesus' teachings on Christian conduct and character. It has been likened to a job description for Christians with a good explanation of His expectations for His disciples.


On the mount, Jesus brought words of peace and hope beginning with "The Beatitudes" as Jesus told them who is "blessed." (not just happy which often has to do with external circumstances, but rather, favored or fortunate. As we read the Beatitudes they often "read us" and we see our imperfections and our need for a Savior.


Jesus said "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."(v.3) Those who realize that they are sinful and can't save themselves are fortunate indeed, for they are the very ones that will participate in the kingdom of heaven. To be poor or destitute of anything that recommends us to the Father is an humbling experience, but a necessary one. To perceive the need for divine intervention is the first step toward responding to the free gift of salvation that Jesus purchased for us with His blood. This is in opposition to self-sufficiency and pride. The poor in spirit is the person who seeks their sufficiency in Christ.


"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." (v.4) Though we know that the Lord is merciful and will help us when our hearts are heavy in general, this verse in particular reminds us that those who are repentant for unrighteousness will especially receive the comfort of the Lord. Those who weep over ungodliness in their own lives and heart, and are saddened as God is saddened by sin, are more likely to confess it to their loving Father. To confess is to agree with God that "Yes, I have missed the mark", and "yes, I have transgressed Your boundaries". 1John 1:9 tells us that "When we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness." What better comfort than to know that we are on the right foot and in right relationship with the Lord again!


Verse 5 says, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." Often people think that meekness is the same as weakness. Not so! Rather, meekness is strength under control. Think of Jesus, beaten, spit upon, lied on and He held His peace. See Him hanging on a cross for you and for me, not because He was impotent but because He chose to die for the sins of mankind. He was obedient to His Father as He bore the sins of the world. He endured separation from His Father, as He who knew no sin, became sin for us. He took the punishment we deserved. He paid the debt we could never repay. We're told that the meek inherit the earth. It is the first who shall be last and the last who will be first.


"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." (v.6) Have you ever been hungry? Often when we have a void or a lack, we can think of little else than getting it filled. Sometimes it results in pain until the situation is taken care of and we are satisfied. When we thirst we feel depleted and parched. Often doctors tell us that by the time we feel thirsty, we are already a bit dehydrated. Spiritual hunger and thirst are similar and we seek living water to quench our thirst. We seek Jesus, the bread of life, to renew our hungry souls.


Do you see a pattern here? Those blessed by God are those who realize that they need Him. They see Him as the All-powerful King of the Kingdom and themselves as subjects or citizens operating within His realm.The blessed ones are the ones who realize their dependence on Him and therefore live a life of gratitude and humility. The blessed ones see that only God can take care of their needs for salvation and deliverance and that their best efforts are as "filthy rags." Isaiah 64:6 Yet those who by the Spirit's power see their sin and mourn it, i.e. repent, are the ones who are promised blessings. They are the ones who will be comforted and filled and who will inherit the kingdom. Who inherits-- but the heirs, the children of the king!


Hallelujah! May He reign forever and may you be blessed!