Sunday 29 January 2023

Background

 In this early teaching of Jesus as recorded by Matthew, Jesus sets out a balance for those who are blessed. He explains what the blessing is and what it may look and feel like. Each verse follows the same pattern, and they offer us some ‘how to be attitudes’, as someone once said.

In these verses, which are known as the beatitudes, Jesus sets out for us hallmarks of humanity. Jesus himself knew and experienced these as he was in the New Testament scholar Tom Wright's words "the man who was God inside."

 For example, 'poverty of spirit' is clearly witnessed in Christ’s passion, 'mourning' is seen following the death of Jesus’ friend, Lazarus, and 'meekness' is evidenced in Jesus stooping to wash the feet of his disciples.

One could engage with every verse in the passage and find the human Jesus there. For me, though, there is significance in the outworking of each blessing: the poor in spirit – will inherit the kingdom; those who mourn – will be comforted; and so on.

 In short, these beatitudes, spoken and lived out by Jesus, remind me of the truth of our ever-present God, who is with us and blessing us in every circumstance of life – good, bad or indifferent.

The challenge for us who are so blessed, then, is to live in such a way that we are a blessing to those whom God calls us to serve. We are blessed to BE a blessing.

Listen

‘Blessed be your name’ by Matt Redman, sung by Launceston Methodist Church.

To Ponder:

• What was yesterday’s greatest blessing? Give thanks.
• Consider how you were a blessing to someone in recent days. Pray for the person who comes to mind.
• Pause in the middle of the coming day and offer an appropriate prayer.

Prayer

Generous God, who gives and gives again, grant us so to live that we may share your love and bear your grace to all. Amen.