Epiphany 4
Matthew 5:1-12
According to this world - According to the Word made flesh
Almighty God, because you know that we are set among so many
and great dangers that by reason of the weakness of our fallen nature we cannot
always stand upright, grant us your strength and protection to support us in all
dangers and carry us through all temptations;[1]
As members of the Way.
Those. Who make up the body of Christ. known as the Church. You find
your collective marks in both Word and Sacrament. As a Jesus follower. Each
individual Christian. Has certain marks. That set them apart from the world.
The challenge. Of course. Is too often we permit the marks of
the world itself. - To woo us. Into
forgetting. Or even denying. The blessings Jesus has already given to us.
We are living outside of Eden. The challenge will constantly
be with us. By grace. And through faith. You can overcome. And gain the victory.
Which has been won for you by your Savior Jesus. Who suffered. Died and came to
life again. On the third day.
Today. We begin a near month-long review of Jesus’ Sermon on
the Mount. How are you blessed? There
are two worldviews. One is according to the world. The other. According to the
Word made flesh.
The world. -Will always suggest. Being happy. You must avoid
all discomfort. Pain. And tragedy. The
Lord gives us a better way. He reminds us. “Blessed are those who mourn, for
they shall be comforted.” V.4
Do not overlook the reality of sin. Death. And Satan. Realize
them for who they are. They are terrible enemies. We cannot eliminate pain. Sorrow.
Mourning. Or death. The stages of grief are real. They are a part of this broken. And failing
world. There is a process to your grief.
Your mourning. However. Cannot not disturb your peace. Christ already
has conquered the last enemy death. We are now and forever Easter people.
The Savior continues. “Blessed are the meek, for they
shall inherit the earth.” V.5 The world speaks a different language. The
world suggests. To be happy. You must
assert yourself. And claim what is rightfully yours. Be the lion. Not the prey.
The voice of your shepherd says to you. Do not assert yourself. But trust Me. And
the security I provide. Your meekness will not dismiss or diminish your peace.
I freely give you all that is Mine.
The world says. -To be happy and blessed. You must pursue
ambitiously. The goals you have set for yourself. Jesus gives a different
perspective. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they shall be satisfied.” V.6 Seek first. To pray always, ‘Thy will be
done.’ Your readiness to follow Christ.
- Will not rob you of your peace.
He will provide all that it takes. For you to achieve His goals.
The world says. - To be happy. You must demand what you
deserve. Even if it happens to harm others. Jesus tells you. - “Blessed are
the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” V.7 Be good to others. Also. When
they do not deserve it. His mercy will not destroy your peace. For His mercy
toward you. - Is always salvation.
The world says. - To be happy. You sometimes must forgo
honesty. And integrity. You must play the role. Jesus reminds us. - “Blessed
are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” V.8 Be trustful. Straightforward.
And honest. Your purity of heart. - Will not nullify your bliss. For His trust
brings you to know and see Christ. Your saving God.
The world suggests. - Being happy means you must be able to
make the rules. And fight for your rights. Jesus teaches. - “Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” V.9 Live at peace with
everyone. Do not take revenge. Love your enemies. Your peacemaking will not
compromise your bliss. For you already are at peace with God for Christ’s sake.
The world says. - To be happy. You must do whatever it takes.
- To avoid persecution. Crush your enemies. Jesus reminds us. - “Blessed are
those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven.” V.10 Be steadfast. Immovable. In doing your Father’s will. Even if
persecution results. Your constancy in listening to the voice of your Good
Shepherd will not undermine your bliss. For you are in Christ. The Father’s
victory over evil is complete. It is your victory also.
Now to him. Who is able to do far more abundantly. Then all
that we ask or think. According to the power at work within us. To him be glory
in the church. And in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. Forever and
ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
815 words
Passive Sentences -0.6%
Flesch Reading easy – 83.5%
Flesch –Kincaid Grade level -2.7
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