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

Forgiveness and Trust

Another king, more turning from God. Time and again, Jeroboam could have chosen obedience and relationship with God, but he continued to turn to evil, leading the people astray, taking on practices that God clearly spelled out how they should be done. He knew enough to send offerings to God and consult the prophets, but instead of seeking forgiveness and doing things God’s way, he did the opposite, and all around him suffered. A common story then and today.

We hear the misconception that forgiveness is for the offender, when, actually, it is for the offended. Emotional hurt from an offense remains deep within us and can become a root of anger (remember Matthew 5?) as well as other sins that break our connectedness to God. Jesus speaks of forgiveness plainly in His prayer that it is in direct relation to God. It is for our healing that Christ reminds us to forgive. He also reminds us that we, too, have needed (and will continue to need) God’s forgiveness. It is forgiveness that can bring God’s peace.

Nowhere in the Bible does it say to ‘forgive and forget’. Quite the contrary; we have been reading many stories in the Old Testament passages that tell us to remember so we don’t fall into the same sin and misery! Imagine what might have happened if the kings we have recently read about sought forgiveness, taught forgiveness, and gave forgiveness. It would have meant a true and right relationship with God where they may have also listened to His other commands as well.

We can also learn from these Scriptures that forgiveness does not equal trust or freedom from consequences. Again, looking back in our reading plan, we see how many dire consequences resulted even after forgiveness. The most important consequence, of course, is a broken relationship and missed opportunity with the Lord. We also see broken trust that remains long after forgiveness has been granted.

Let us be a people who persist in turning to God, asking for and giving forgiveness, and striving to be trustworthy, and wise as the Lord guides our journey. As we read today, let’s remember where others have walked so we can follow the path of peace God has for us.

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