Matthew 5:7&8 ” Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
The last two series have not been without their challenges, both in the writing and in the receiving. Truth always has its opposition. However truth also has its testimony, an “Amen” in the hearts of those who receive it. So the effort in the writing, as well as the “effort” in the receiving surely has its rewards. As we continue to study, like miners going deeper into the earth, so we too are going deeper into the human soul. We started with a genuine repentance which acknowledges our poverty in spirit with respect to any righteousness (holiness) that we posses. Followed by a sincere mourning/repentance for our sins. These two ‘Be Attitudes’ frame the “spiritual gate” that we must all go through. Without this heart change, we simply continue to live outside the aide and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A life lived with good intentions, but good intentions can never redeem (save) a soul, or be a suitable substitute for the blood of Christ. I know for some of you this is super religious, so thank you for your continued reading.
Last week we understood that once “through the gate,” we are to change our “diet.” We are to hunger and thirst for righteousness and not for the “trinkets” and “bling” of this world. However this then begs a question – is it wrong to own nice things? No, not at all, provided that the nice things don’t own you. By definition, to hunger and thirst for righteousness means that we understand that “things” could never satisfy or replace kindness, truth, uprightness, and especially a relationship with the Lord. A good test question to ask ourselves is do the things we have make us grateful, thereby bringing us closer to The Lord, or do I start drifting because my “nice things” slowly replace The Lord? If my “earthly treasures” do that they will eventually not satisfy. However, if we continue to hunger and thirst for righteousness our promise is that we shall be satisfied.
We also learned that meekness is not weakness, but it is strength. It takes inner strength and a deeper knowing of the Lord to remain calm in the storm when everyone else may be panicking. There is a lyric that says “my anchor is in the veil.” Referring to the Holy of Holies, the most sacred place in the Jewish Temple where “God’s Shekinah Glory” dwelt. There is my anchor, and from there shall I be secure. That’s meekness, and everyone of us has an anchor be it themselves, their spouses, their jobs, family etc. True meekness speaks to an indwelling, abiding Holiness that is outside of any human realm, or human achievement. It’s God only.
“Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy,” is one of our “Be Attitudes” this week. This goes beyond acts of charity, acts of selflessness, that gratefully most of us “rise” to in times of disaster or calamity. In context this verse refers to a permanently changing heart that in everyday life exhibits mercy because of the mercy it was given. It’s a changed heart because of God’s love, as His love washed away my sins. We give mercy because it was first given to us. “Deeds or acts” of mercy in times of difficulty or suffering only gives testimony to the life that God has created for us to live – to live outside ourselves.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This is about as great a promise anyone could have! “Katharos” is the Greek word indicating clean, pure, clear, unmixed or unsoiled. With respect to metals, it means unalloyed. There is not a heart in the world that is pure. Our motives are hopelessly mixed with self serving intents. Even in acts of charity, often unbeknown to ourselves, we do them because it makes us feel good about ourselves. We can look in the mirror and smile, having gained a few points. In the New Testament there is a story of a man who was very rich, but also was extremely ethical, having followed all the Biblical commandments since his youth. Having lived as such, you would think he would be content, but in Matthew 19:20 he asks Jesus this question ( paraphrased) “I have followed the commandments since my youth, what more do I lack? Jesus responded by saying, “….go sell all your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. But upon hearing this the young man went away grieving for he had much possessions.” His heart was mixed with his love of his possessions, yet having all, he still lacked and was not willing to give away his possessions so he could truly “have it all.” Pure in heart implies one thing and one thing only, God is first, Jesus is my Redeemer, and I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This is just the starting point, for the whole of one’s life the work of the Spirit is to exchange selfish motives for Godly motives, but because of Christ in me, God see’s me as pure. It’s a “great deal.”
Father God,
There is much to living this life, and to run the race to only learn in the end we ran in the wrong direction is painful. Give us ears to hear and a heart to know, that to put You first is to run in the right direction. No effort, however difficult, is a waste of effort when we run towards you. Give us hearts of faith Father, let us run so we ” win the prize of the upward high calling of God.” Thank you and Amen.
Move forward in His Grace – Arthur