Matthew 5 is astounding.
“Blessed are the pure in heart…” And I think, “Well, maybe sometimes I am.”
“Blessed are those who mourn…” Not how I’d describe myself most days.
“Blessed are the meek…” Meek? Really? I thought we were supposed to be bold for God.
You can see where this is going.
If these are the requirements for being blessed, then basically, I’m sunk.
So, instead, is this what I’m supposed to work real hard at? They’re really laws I’m supposed to keep?
Then I get to verse 17 where scripture says Jesus came to fulfill those laws…not me. And He ends that section by stating that “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Well, I can’t do that. My righteousness won’t surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. Then I learn that being angry is as bad as murder (vs. 22). And looking at someone with lust is the same as adultery (vs. 28). And I’m supposed to love those who hate me, and last …
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Yes, Matthew 5 is astounding.
It’s astounding because it isn’t a list of laws for me; it’s a statement of fact. The pure in heart will see heaven. Those who mourn will be comforted. The meek will inherit the earth.
It’s astounding because HE is pure in heart.
He mourns—over us.
He is meek, speaking not a word to His accusers.
And He is perfect.
I can’t be the beatitudes; He is. Without Him, I am sunk.
He is the righteousness. He’s what God sees when He looks at me.
You get a righteousness that exceeds the scribes and Pharisees only when you get Jesus.
Jesus, given as grace gift, to me. Me, clothed His righteousness.
It’s astounding.
I'm linking up with Laura and Michelle today.
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4 comments:
Love,love,love!!! So true,Laura. Our Pastor has been preaching on being slaves to righteousness and it's only through Him. I messaged you on FB,let me know if you get it. :)
I just read a fabulous book by Dallas Willard called "The Divine Conspiracy." The whole book is dedicated to explaining what Jesus meant in the Sermon on the Mount. Basically, it's not a list of things we must do, but a list of things we will want to do when we become a part of God's kingdom. We are able to do them only when assisted by God, who's watching as we struggle to do things ourselves and waiting for us to request his assistance.
"I can’t be the beatitudes; He is."
It took me a long time to come to that truth, Laura, but now that I've found it, I'll never let go of it! It's so freeing. His grace still amazes me.
I'm with you, Laura - sunk without His grace.
xxoo!
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