Key Text: Matthew 5: 1 – 12
Additional Texts: Psalm 1; Ephesians 3:
20; 2 Samuel 5 – 8; Ruth 4; Daniel 6; Genesis 41 and 50; 1 Kings 7: 51
Today, as we celebrate mothers
(in the UK), we acknowledge their investment in us, and the abundance of discomfort that parenting involves. We salute you!
Today’s entry focuses on the paradoxical teaching on discomfort in Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’ in Matthew 5 – greater than the discomforts our mothers may face. In this instalment of the ‘Show and Tell’ series, Jesus candidly highlights the blessings in discomfort – quite the contrary to the world’s standards.
The Life Application Bible defines the word ‘blessing’ as the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances. It further reiterates that the deepest forms of happiness are the hope and joy which may be experienced in following Jesus. Ouch! That is very different to some preachers’ interpretations; indeed, many within the body of Christ’s teachings are misleading, giving the impression that committing one’s life to Jesus should provide some exemption from pain and suffering.
In contrast to the ideology that the evidence of blessing is opulence and a life void of trouble, as Jesus taught about the Kingdom He came to earth to promote, the reality of hardships along with the possibility of being anchored in faith which results in rewards for endurance are evident. The Beatitudes begin with His declaration that blessings await those who are poor in Spirit, and likewise, those who mourn. These states of being are uncomfortable – no one likes to mourn or walk through discouraging seasons, whether it is due to the physical loss of loved ones, or the need to allow God’s will to override ours! We are humans who are ultimately learning to walk with God daily through sanctification, but this is not easy. It is not easy to relinquish the urge to get even when we are wronged for example, but we are expected to mourn in such times, releasing our impulses and hurt to God.
In the sermon, the Beatitudes continued, with Jesus pronouncing blessings on the meek and the merciful, as well as those who are persecuted for being His followers. More discomfort. This is not the order of the items in His sermon, but these are seemingly connected. Enduring persecution for our faith, whether in the form of mockery, harassment or more severe forms, requires meekness and a decision to not retaliate (to show mercy). In some cases, persecution is overt, but it is also often snide – the enemy subtly opposes us indirectly. Passive-aggressive means are nonetheless hurtful. Though these realities are cringeworthy, Jesus frankly instructs the disciples – following Him will bring trouble, but also enables us to be blessed to have His approval as His children, receive His mercy and inherit the earth.
Jesus’ frank lesson to the disciples also challenged them to consider the blessing in seeking Him relentlessly, which will result in them knowing Him more deeply. Additionally, His sermon highlighted His value for peacemakers, who will be blessed to be called His children. More discomfort. Sometimes people are difficult, making peace nearly impossible or fragile when it does exist; in such cases, we are cautioned to do our best to be at peace with them as much as it lies within us (Romans 12: 18). We do not possess power to control others’ response – (that is their responsibility), but again, we should endeavour to avoid exacerbating conflict by retaliating. That might be very challenging when we know we have been wronged (and even we as Christians get it wrong at times!), but seeking the Holy Spirit’s wisdom through the Word may help us to know how to respond to aggressors. Should we write official complaints when an institution has mismanaged us? Are we less than peacemakers if we do? Are we less than peacemakers if we ignore issues which must be addressed? There is actually no textbook answer – seek the Lord and allow Him to be your guide in each situation. God, through His Son, encourages us to be peacemakers, but He is also just (Isaiah 30: 18 – 19, Romans 12:19) – we must ultimately honour Him in our responses.
It is not an exaggeration to assume that everyone who accepts Jesus as Saviour wants to ultimately please Him. However, this is not automatic – developing a pure heart, which results in the blessing of seeing God takes time. Regardless, Jesus candidly taught the disciples that having a pure heart will result in the blessing of increased revelations about God. Though sanctification is a lifelong journey, God will meet us as we walk with Him and acknowledge our endurance with growth (Ecclesiastes 3: 11; Lamentations 3: 25 – 26), enabling us to gradually becomes like Him (including imitating His pure heart).
In our generation, filled with distractions and sometimes misunderstanding of what it means to be blessed, the Sermon on the Mount helps us to refocus. Serving Jesus WILL result in discomfort. Indeed, He cautioned the disciples that since He was hated by the world, they/we should also expect it (John 15: 18 – 27), but also understand that we might overcome as He did. It’s great to be blessed – no one wants a life without happiness or joy. Let’s be realistic! However, as seen in the key texts, joy and happiness in our relationship with God is more secure when circumstances suggest otherwise. All the circumstances Jesus raised in His sermon are uncomfortable and require faith and reliance on Him. As challenging as it may be for us (I’m included too!), His assurance of intangible blessings of His presence, maturity and worthwhile contributions to build His Kingdom make it worthwhile. Even if we stumble along the way, His promise of His presence when we endure is reassuring – we are blessed in discomfort and He will never leave us during such times (Hebrews 13: 5). This does not negate the fact that God is also able to bring us times of joy through tangible blessings; as seen in the Additional Texts, there are countless examples of people in the Bible who received tangible blessings after/before/during times of discomfort (David, Ruth, Daniel, Joseph and Solomon to name a mere handful!). Often, times of discomfort draw us closer to God and mature and prepare us for future tangible and intangible blessings. Either way, trust God to use your discomfort for His glory.
Are you enduring a season of discomfort? What might you learn about yourself and God in the process? Discomfort can be overwhelming, but why not try talking to God about it? He already knows your feelings! Whether it’s for a few seconds, a minute or five, tell Him your thoughts. He hears you in discomfort and ultimately knows the plans He has for you, and they are all for your good and His glory (Jeremiah 29: 11; Romans 8: 28).
Heartfelt Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Jesus’ candidness – You did not hide the reality of discomfort in walking with You. The assurance of a blessing for enduring is encouraging, though admittedly, I lose focus of the promise and forget this. Help me to remember that You are good, even when life hands me one uncomfortable season after the other. Help me to remember Your ability to turn mourning to joy, and use suffering as a catalyst to ultimately fulfil my destiny. I ask these mercies in Your Son’s – Jesus’ name. Amen.
