Week 3
Jesus begins his ministry by preaching, teaching and healing people. Crowds soon start to gather
when they hear he is coming to town. They even travel outside of town to see him and hear him.
On this occasion, a crowd has gathered on a hillside to hear him talk. He talks about what the
kingdom of God is like.
Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV)
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
We would normally say that we are in trouble if we are poor, morning, meek, hungry, thirsty, or
persecuted. Yet, Jesus calls us blessed. What Jesus values is often much different than what the
world values. He wants us to understand that when we are in the most trouble, that is when we
must rely the most on God. Therefore, it is then that we are most truly blessed. No one enjoys
going through difficult situations, yet it is an opportunity to lean on God and grow closer to him.
There are certain things in my life that I would never want to go through again. But having gone
through them now, I would not want them taken away either, because of how I grew closer to
God during those times.
It is helpful to remember this when going through the challenges of life. Having this attitude of drawing close to God, especially when struggling, that we learn how to be in true relationship with God and others around us. We are not meant to go through life by ourselves. We need God and others. It is our times of weakness that remind us of that need. So when in need, do not withdraw even more. Reach out to God and reach out to others. That is how God’s kingdom is build. Leaning on God and one another, is how God works in our world and in our lives.
The Father is always waiting for us outside the house. Come in and find rest and peace. Go out and share it with all the world.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.
It is helpful to remember this when going through the challenges of life. Having this attitude of drawing close to God, especially when struggling, that we learn how to be in true relationship with God and others around us. We are not meant to go through life by ourselves. We need God and others. It is our times of weakness that remind us of that need. So when in need, do not withdraw even more. Reach out to God and reach out to others. That is how God’s kingdom is build. Leaning on God and one another, is how God works in our world and in our lives.
The Father is always waiting for us outside the house. Come in and find rest and peace. Go out and share it with all the world.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.