A CHRISTIAN LOOKS AT MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
The foundation of a believer’s life
Reading: >Matthew 5:1-5 Click to view passage
John Stott calls his study of the Sermon on the Mount – “A Christian Counter Culture” and you only have to look at the beatitudes to see why. They are pretty revolutionary stuff; they are a paradox of the world’s understanding. The beatitudes express the basic personal qualities that must be the foundation of the life of an apprentice of Jesus Christ
(i) The foundation of spiritual inadequacy and being “poor in spirit” (v3). It is the complete opposite of pride and self-sufficiency. Conscious of our need we must always be turning to the Father for help. Just like Jesus, “I can do nothing of my own initiative,” (John 5:30 American Standard).
(ii) The foundation of spiritual contrition and being those “that mourn” (v4). We are not called to be grim-faced, endlessly depressed, cheerless or morose. But there is a bliss for those who constructively mourn their sins and the hurt they cause others.
(iii) The foundation of spiritual humility and being “meek” (v5). There is nothing spineless about meekness It is the word used of a stallion that has been broken-in and now responds to every wish of his master. That really is a picture of the apprentice of Jesus.
Meditation: Am I beginning to enjoy “blessedness” or is the foundation of apprenticeship slipping a bit?
Prayer pointer: Father, help me with the seismic change that has to take place in my life.
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