Reading With the People of God #11 BlessedSample

Focus of the month: (The Beatitudes)

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

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

- Matthew 5:3-12

Building Plans

1 Kings tells us of a wonderful period in Israel’s history. Solomon is now King, and they are experiencing a time of peace. Solomon turns his attention to the building of the temple. There is something so exciting about a new building project and you can feel the exhilaration as Solomon sets plans into motion. Solomon makes an agreement with the King of Tyre for the timber and conscripted laborers from all of Israel. He gives orders and makes provisions for the logging and stone cutting to begin.

Salt and light

In this passage, Jesus continues to build on the concepts from His Sermon on the Mount. He begins by saying you are the salt of the earth. I found it interesting that Jesus compares us to salt. In the Old Testament, salt was a necessary ingredient used in the sacrifices offered to God. In Leviticus 2:13, they are instructed to season grain offerings with salt and to add salt to all their offerings. Salt was more than a common flavor enhancer it was costly and carried value. Salt was also used for purification and in the Covenant of Salt, it represented provision and permanence.

Salt also has a common everyday use as an ingredient for cooking and baking as It enhances and brings up the flavor.

Jesus is calling us to live our lives as worship to God. Our standard is to bring glory to the kingdom of God. In Romans 12:1-2 we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God. Into our everyday lives, we are to bring the flavor of Christ to the world around us.

Jesus continues by saying, you are the light of the world. John 8:12 Jesus said,

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

In Christ, we have this light in us. We are to reflect the true Light of the world which is Christ shining through us. As we focus our minds on Christ and live to please God and not man by the things we say and do, we become a reflection of Christ and bring glory to God.

* Devotional Primer contributed by Laurie Harry, Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church.