Good Morning Girls
Read Luke 6:12-26 SOAP Luke 6:20-23
I realized that this message about the Beatitudes was specifically for Jesus' disciples. They had left their jobs and families to follow Christ. They would be hungry, poor, depressed, and hated. Jesus says this to them as a fact, saying that they will most assuredly endure suffering for His sake.
This made me wonder if my life is marked by the same dedication to follow Christ the disciples had. It is much easier to fall into step with the world, working toward the same things: a good steady job, a nice house, decent vehicles, fashionable clothes, regular salon visits, etc. Do you think any of these things were on the disciples' radar? The very thought is absurd! Perhaps this realization can lead me to a deeper commitment to the call of God. I'm not meant to build a life of luxury here, but look forward to it in heaven someday. Removing the distraction of material gain can free me to pursue more meaningful things, namely making disciples.
Suffering has a way of focusing our hearts on God's purpose. It forces us to evaluate what we are doing. I pray that I will have the wisdom to see this if I find myself in the throes of great suffering one day. The trade-off in heaven will be totally worth it!
It Had never sunk in to me that his eyes were on the disciples when he spoke these words. I suppose I assumed that it was a sermon to whoever wanted to hear it and write it down. Well, it was to those who had chosen to follow him. The words became alive, meaningful and beautiful to me. I only echo what has already been said by Fawn and Brandy. I add to it a hallelujah for his promise of blessings that goes along with the inevitable suffering. His blessings are so far greater than what we can imagine. In this, I have peace and joy.
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