Revisiting What it Means to be Blessed

Luke 6:20-26:

“Looking at His disciples, He said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.’”   

I used this verse in my previous post(s) as I explored what it means to be blessed.  I highlighted the fact that the typical American viewpoint of being blessed isn’t at all what God means when He says He wants to bless all nations.  Wealth and prosperity definitely come with God’s spiritual blessing, but it is the spiritual blessing that truly makes the wealth and prosperity a blessing and not just an outward comfort that cannot reach the inside. 

Simple Humility

"And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is His name. His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation.  He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.  He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.  He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.  He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and His descendants forever, just as He promised our ancestors.’”    Luke 1:46-55

Thank You, by Sanctus Real

There are new horizons with colors that I've never seen
The sky is filled with graces since you have carried me
I felt so far beyond your reach, but you gave everything for me
I was lost but then you rescued my life

[Chorus:]
Why in the world did you come after me?
Thank you, thank you
Words aren't enough, but for now I can say
Thank you, thank you

There is hope rising 'cause you have strength I've never seen
And your eyes are shining 'cause you shed tears for me
I was miles from dry land, but you gave everything you had
I can't understand a love of this kind

[Chorus:]

I could find other lines that you haven't heard spoken over and over again
I've tried every way, but I keep landing on that simple phrase
So I'll keep singing, "thank you"

[Chorus:]

How Ironic?

“When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’ All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!’”  Matthew 27:24-25

I’ve always found it ironic the truth behind this verse.  Little did the people know that Jesus’ blood would cover them and their children in order that they be sanctified and made righteous before God.  What a Merciful and Gracious Savior, what a Humble Servant, what a Forgiving God we have.

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your humble wiliness to sacrifice Your life for such proud and stubborn people.  Thank You for the forgiveness and salvation that is ours through Your death on the Cross.  I am amazed at the depth of Your love for me.  I am amazed that You would be willing to die for people like me.  Thank You.  Thank You.

A Reassuring Word

Matthew 22:15-22:

“Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Him in His words. They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?’ But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, ‘You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.’ They brought Him a denarius, and He asked them, ‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied.  Then He said to them, ‘So give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’ When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.”

Let Your Yes Be Yes

As I was reading the parable of the two sons I had to stop and think about what the parable is really saying.  Matthew 21:28-31 reads:

“’What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?’ ‘The first’, they answered. Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.’”