And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Matthew 5:1-12 (KJV)
I’ll never forget the first time I realized that the kingdom of God was upside down.
Poor? Mourning? Humble?
And then rejoice, and be glad about it? Surely Jesus didn’t mean it when He said to count myself blessed every time I’m put down! That’s a little different from the way I was raised. In fact, Jesus continually reframes the concept of life, and the way we live it, for the Kingdom of God.
The first will be last. (Matthew 19:30)
The greatest must be least. (Luke 9:48)
Lose your life and you will find it. (Matthew 16:25)
He must increase, I must decrease. Love my enemies. Weakness is strength. You get the picture.
The world’s motto is to fight fire with fire (which produces more fire, if you haven’t thought that one out) do unto others and render evil for evil. God’s message is quite different. He confronts these worldly standards where the greatest rewards seem to go to those who take more than they give, compete rather than complete, and have the most toys, no matter how they got them.
If we ever hope to see God and be a part of His Kingdom, we have to start by being Kingdom minded. That battle begins in our mind, and it’s won on our knees.
Lord,
May we be able to understand and apply these truths to our heart and mind, so that Your kingdom can come and dwell within us. Let our lives be a testimony of Your greatness, and use us for Your glory.
In Jesus Name
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