BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part IX)

BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD (Part IX)

In our attempt to offer a limited portrait of the PERSON and WORK of JESUS CHRIST, we delve further into his TEACHING MINISTRY. There is no better starting point than the gospel message that is recognized by so many as the greatest sermon in human history, the SERMON ON THE MOUNT. (Matthew, chapters 5-7) Building on yesterday’s devotional, let’s take a brief look at the remaining BEATITUDES.

(4) BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL: FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY. (Matthew 5:7)

MERCY may be defined as the application of grace (undeserved favor) despite willful personal trespasses or sins. It is that quality of Almighty God which fundamentally distinguishes Him from all other beings. His mercy is beyond human comprehension, so vast, so omnipresent, that it defies description. David could only summarize its extraordinary effects by declaring that “His mercy is everlasting” – “His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 100:5 – Psalm 118:1) Since we are afforded such a magnanimous and gracious gift, it is incumbent upon each of us to emulate and activate mercy in all our relationships. Why? Since the Father offers personal forgiveness IN THE SAME MEASURE as we mete it out to others, our own demonstrations of mercy become indispensable keys to our everlasting union with Him. (Matthew 6:12) Therefore, the principle of SOWING AND REAPING is operative in this and every other area of our lives. That is, we GIVE MERCY and are thereby eligible to RECEIVE MERCY, not only from God, but from others as well.

(5) BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD. (Matthew 5:8)

PURITY OF HEART is, at once, a gracious gift from God and the product of personal choice. Only the Father can completely purge us from sin and iniquity. (Ephesians 5:25-27) Nevertheless, in direct partnership with the Holy Spirit, WE become active participants in the process of personal sanctification. That is, all of us have a divine mandate to “sanctify [ourselves],” and “the very God of peace will sanctify [us] wholly.” (Leviticus 20:7 – I Thessalonians 5:23) This process is called SPIRITUAL PRUNING or SPIRITUAL PURGING. (John 15:1-3) We have a wonderful promise from God that motivates us: “IF a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” (II Timothy 2:21) What are the “THESE” referred to in the forgoing scripture? It is the inescapable requirement to “CLEANSE OURSELVES FROM ALL FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH AND SPIRIT, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (II Corinthians 7:1) Only when we perform our part in this sanctification process are we truly eligible to “see God” in peace. (Matthew 5:8)

(6) BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS: FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD. (Matthew 5:9)

Paul wrote to the Church of Rome, “If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Believers must adhere to Biblical PEACE-MAKING and PEACE-KEEPING principles in personal relationships. Christians should never be rightfully accused of sowing seeds of “discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:14;19) Rather, we must become proactive participants of the peace process, which means, on a practical basis, that our words must be wisely chosen, “always with grace…that you may know how you ought to answer” one another. (Colossians 4:6) THE HUMAN TONGUE is the chief culprit when it comes to PEACE-BREAKING because it “boasts great things” which tend to “defile the whole body and set on fire the course of nature.” The Apostle James summarized by declaring “If anyone does NOT stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:1-13) Therefore, PEACE-MAKING and PEACE-BREAKING will begin or will end with the human tongue.

(7) BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS’ SAKE: FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. (Matthew 5:10)

The aging Apostle Paul warned young Pastor Timothy: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer PERSECUTION.” (II Timothy 3:12) Appearances notwithstanding, the Apostle James contends that any such TRIAL is fundamentally profitable for the believer, who should “count it all joy” because “the testing of faith produces patience.” (James 1:2) Paul completes James’ thought: “Perseverance (patience) produces character; and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5 NKJV) What is implied here? The manner in which believers handle persecution is a direct and effective WITNESS TO THE WORLD of the Father’s love that resides within us. (I Corinthians 13, et al)

(8) BLESSED ARE YE, WHEN MEN SHALL REVILE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU, AND SHALL SAY ALL MANNER OF EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY, FOR MY SAKE. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12)

This final beatitude is the twin sibling of the former. It was necessary for Christ to underscore this truth due to coming times of tribulation for the apostles. Only one of The Twelve died due to natural causes. Persecution was such an active component of the early church that it was used by God to disperse the saints and to actualize The Great Commission. (Matthew 28:19-20) In our time, believers are experiencing increasing levels of persecution. Although we seem oblivious to it, believers in various parts of the world are currently being ostracized, beaten, imprisoned, and even killed for their faith. Jesus Christ challenges those who exist in such dire straits to “rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12) If such persecution arrives on our shores, will WE be ready to answer the call?

Jesus Christ culminates this segment of THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT with a very powerful admonition for all disciples:

Matthew 5:13-16
13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 
15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Sisters and brothers, allow your light to shine before this “crooked and perverse generation.” (Philippians 2:15) In so doing, you will be continually blessed! Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow.