Recapturing the Good Life

Recapturing the Good Life (In a bad world)

The Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:1-12

Starting today and throughout the month of June, we get to hear Jesus preach. Each week we’ll make our way through the Sermon on the Mount: three chapters of uninterrupted words straight from the mouth of Jesus. He takes his disciples up a mountain side and then sat down to teach them. However what he taught was something new, something different. He began his sermon with several statements describing those who will receive his blessings. And what he does is make us think, because Jesus promises to confer his blessings upon those who, at least in the eyes of the world, are definitely not in line to receive blessings. And that is his point!

This section of Scripture, affectionately known as the “Beatitudes,” is encouraging us to consider what real blessings are. He wants us to recognize what we are now, by God’s grace what we will become, and Lord willing, what we ourselves wish to be – so that the rest of the world knows that we belong to him! v.3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The poor in spirit recognize their spiritual poverty, their sinfulness and unworthiness in God’s sight. They realize that they sin every single day and as a result, deserve nothing but punishment from God. The poor in spirit admit that they can do nothing on their own to earn God’s favor. However, they are blessed! For they know that their faith in Jesus Christ has made them rich. They believe that because Jesus gave his life on the cross, one day they will live forever with him in heaven. v.4 “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.”

What do God’s people mourn? We mourn over our sins and those of others. We live in a world that sees and feels the consequences of sins on a daily basis and it makes us sad.

The young woman lives in a puddle of her own tears. She’s crushed. Not because of what other people have done to her but because of what she’s done to herself. Her lies have ruined just about every relationship she’s had. Who can trust her? Who will ever want to be with her?....The husband has to walk outside, ashamed of how he acted in front of his wife and children. Why does he always berate and yell? Why does he always seem to take those he loves the most for granted? In Jesus’ words, both are poor in spirit. Both mourn over their sins. Yet what does Jesus call them? Blessed! What? They are blessed because they will be comforted. Despite their sins, they find their comfort in knowing they have been forgiven. An empty tomb made that possible. And now they take great comfort in knowing, “God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). v.5 “Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.”

The meek are the gentle and patient. They are not boisterous and demanding. They don’t stand up and demand their way. They don’t believe the world revolves around them. They turn the other cheek when someone mistreats them. They possess an inner strength that few really have. And they’re blessed? Absolutely. You see, while the world often confuses meekness for weakness, Jesus doesn’t. These are the folks who will inherit the earth. God will meet their every need. v.6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled.”

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are those who desire to grow in their relationship with God. These are the people who make God’s word and prayer a part of their daily routine. These are the people who look forward to worshiping with fellow Christians. They don’t pass up the opportunity to receive the Lord’s Supper when offered. And when they see the baptismal font, they are reminded of the blessings they once received at their own baptism. These are the people who look for and seize the opportunity to share with others the hope they have. And they will be blessed! The Holy Spirit, working through word and sacrament, will fill their hearts and minds with a faith that can move mountains. v.7 “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.”

The merciful are those who have compassion. The merciful are those who recognize the worldly blessings they’ve received from God and are compelled to help those in need. Are we not blessed? Open your refrigerator and the cupboards in your kitchen. Look inside your garage. Exactly how many televisions do you own? Yet how often don’t we take our blessings for granted? How often don’t we struggle with the sin of materialism?

I’m reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan. The point is, those who have been shown mercy will be merciful to others. v.8 “Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.”

The pure in heart are those who have no agenda, no ulterior motives, no selfish interests. They say what they mean and mean what they say. What they promise they do. They will one day see God – for on the Last Day they will stand before his throne blameless in his sight. Not because of who they are or what they have done. They are blameless because of Jesus. v.9 “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.”

The peacemakers actively strive to make peace where hatred or hostility exists. They don’t just sit on the sidelines. They get in the game and play. They will be called “sons of God” because living in peace follows the example of Jesus Christ who was the “Prince of Peace.” And we, who have benefited from his peace, will seek to share it with others. In doing so, God is glorified. v.10-12 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

There is no doubt we live in a sinful world and Satan will try to pull us away from our source of strength. Those who are made fun of, who endure the snide remark, or the outright snub, on account of their faith will be blessed! Stand up for what you believe! Those who stand firm to the end, heaven awaits!

It is not the healthy, wealthy, and powerful that appear on Jesus’ list of the blessed. Those he lists are not the ones the world looks up to. Most of the time the world doesn’t even notice them. But Jesus sees them. And he calls them blessed.

Can you find yourself somewhere on that list? I’m sure you can. And do you know what Jesus calls you? Blessed. The blessings come to you but they don’t come from you. They come from the one who preached the sermon. The blessings come from Jesus.

Jesus sees. He sees all your sins, your weaknesses, your fears, your troubles, your frustrations – even better than you do. And he cares. He calls you blessed. And he died to make it so. And he lives to make it yours.