A Blessed Life

When you think of a “blessed” life, what comes to mind? Nice home, healthy children, good job, great cars?

Today, we’re looking into the life of Jesus and His message in Luke 6:17-26. To give a little context, Jesus has just finished driving out demons, healing lepers and forgiving sinners. News is spreading about this symbol of good fortune and crowds are gathering just to touch Him, hoping for some kind of lucky charm.

As Jesus scans the crowd, He sees His primary audience. It is those who are poor, hungry, sorrowful and persecuted. They are the weak and the vulnerable, looking for God’s love and forgiveness.

So He looks at His disciples and begins to teach what is known as the “Beatitudes”. Let’s pick it up in Luke 6:20-23:

Looking at his disciples, he said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

- Luke 6:20-23

Again, assessing those gathered, He sees among them the religious scholars who are there to see some kind of supernatural, spectacular event or healing. They’re not looking for God’s love or grace, but more power and wealth. And so Jesus continues:

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now,  for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.”

- Luke 6:24-26

As I meditate on the inverted kingdom Jesus came to bring, I have to ask myself the questions: Am I grieved when I sin? Have I suffered persecution for my faith? Do I hunger to live a life of sacrifice?

As we continue through this season of Lent, let’s remember we are called to be Jesus’ disciples, going first to feed and care for the poor, hungry, and those who are experiencing pain and loss.

We are to grieve our sin and confess it, and change our lives to look more like Jesus.

Let’s think about when we’re long gone and people will talk about us, what will we be remembered for? We can’t let it be our salary, some executive title, business, or hours spent at the office. Instead, let this season of fasting and sacrifice be the beginning of something different.

Let’s begin a journey to being remembered for our love, sacrifice, and our willingness to take up our cross, no matter what the cost, and follow Jesus!

Pastor Pam

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