Reading With the People of God #11 Blessed预览

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

Look At Me

Can you imagine what it was like to be in Solomon’s household and get his attention? The king who asked for wisdom obviously did not use it for himself! The Israelite nation was guided by God from the beginning and followed the laws and traditions handed down from Moses (see Deuteronomy 5-6). This was a people that was supposed to be devoted to family, passing down the love for God from generation to generation. God’s first gospel command was to influence family, then influence neighbors, and, ultimately, the world to bring them to Him. Unfortunately, Solomon did not do that. In the end, we read that Solomon turned from God, whom he originally loved, and turned toward the idols that he allowed within his family.

From an environment of excess and splendor without the guidance of father or mother to follow the One true God, we find that Solomon’s son does no better. Even though he consults those who advised his father, he ends up following his own pride and display of power. The opportunities to use all that God had gifted Solomon and the children of Israel for a chance to show the world their Great and Mighty God ruined for the sake of selfish and prideful choices.

Jesus also warns against masking our pride with a seemingly righteous prayer habit. It was a common practice to pray in public loudly so that all could see and hear. Some would then admire the elaborate prayers as well as those who acted this way. When we seek the attention of others rather than the attention of the Lord, we give up our reward. The reward of a deep connection to God can only come from the heart where no one else can see. Our private and personal relationship is what God desires. It is from this bond we reflect Christ and can join in worship with others, unhindered or distracted because of our deep and reciprocal love with the Lord.

* Devotional primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Teacher, Musician, Yarn Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla