JusticeSample

GOD OF PEACE

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount begins by talking about the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is telling about the wonder and goodness of living under the sovereignty of God. He is speaking about the kingdom as a present and future reality. So who are those who are blessed in the kingdom of heaven? And why are they blessed? To be blessed is to be wealthy, have good health, be secure and protected and have great success in one’s endeavors. These are the qualities we tend to associate with being blessed. But Jesus is encouraging us to see that He is helping us to make our longings like His own.

The beatitude demands self-examination of us. Is our service given from selfless motives or from motives of self-display? Jesus promises the kingdom to the powerless, the oppressed who hold close the poverty of their condition by trusting in God rather than favors from the influential for their deliverance. How blest are those who show mercy for mercy shall be shown to them. The inequities of this world cannot forever put down the justice of God: he will ultimately vindicate the oppressed. This promise provides us both hope to work for justice and grace to endure the hard path of love.

Dear God,
Help us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness and walk joyfully in the way of Your blessing. We ask you to help us live in the harmony of life in the spirit. We yield ourselves to the beatitudes and in living so we find ourselves different. We thank you Lord. - Amen

The more we live and try to practice the Sermon on the Mount, the more shall we experience blessing. - David Martyn Lloyd Jones