By Rev. Larry Thompson,
Pastor Martinsburg Church in Bruin
On Sunday morning, March 5, I began a sermon series on Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount (Mat.5-7; Luke 6:20-49).” To those gathered on the mountain that day, the message of Jesus was one of “expectation and revelation.” He spoke within the context of the Jewish”expectation” of a future earthly Messianic kingdom (Isa.2:2-5) and the “revelation” of the arrival of the kingdom of heaven, manifested in the person and ministry of Himself (Mat.3:2).
At this time, when the world and our nation are enveloped in the clouds of spiritual darkness and despair, the words of Jesus Christ offer assurance and comfort to all people.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mat.5:3).” The “poor in spirit,” are those who consciously depend on God and not themselves. They recognize that they have no ability in/of themselves to please God. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (Mat.5:4).” Those that “mourn,” are those that recognize their needs and present them to the One (God) who is able to truly help them, in and through Jesus, His Christ. “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth (Mat.5:5).” The “meek” are those who exhibit true humbleness and gentleness; those who have a true appreciation of their faith and salvation in Christ. “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be (totally) filled (Mat.5:6).” These are those who have a continuous spiritual appetite for personal righteousness; those who have a continuous spiritual yearning to live in the ways of God. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy (Mat.5:7).” The merciful are those who extend mercy (loving kindness) toward others in the example of God’s mercy extended to them in the person of Jesus, the Christ. “Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God (Mat.5:8).” These are those which walk uprightly and are righteous in the eyes of God; and speak to His truth in their hearts. “Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God (Mat.5:9).” Peacemakers are those who show others how to have and experience an inward peace with God; and through this peace, how to be instruments and true sons of God in the world. “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mat.5:10).” When we are buffeted and persecuted for our stand in Christ, we are truly sons of God and joint heirs (in Christ) to the kingdom of heaven.
As we ponder these words of comfort and assurance from our Lord and Savior, may we be strengthened and: “Rejoice and jointly partake of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy (1 Pet.4:13)!” Amen and Amen!