Love 1!

Love 1!

Psalms 103:13 AMP

[13] Just as a father loves his children, So the Lord loves those who fear and worship Him [with awe-filled respect and deepest reverence].

The entire chapter from where the verse above is taken is a tribute to God's love and care for His own. It is a psalm of David, one who God called a man after His own heart. The chapter starts with those immortal words: "Bless the Lord, O my soul". David took account of all that God had done for and to him up to that point, and his only response was to break down in gratitude to God for His dealings with him. Like David, I have to know that God has not changed or moved away from His nature: faithful and consistent. He does not need me to be God, yet my life is the loudest testimony to His faithful dealings. Do i know this God of love? 

The same chapter reminds us of the mercy and grace of our Lord, who is slow to anger, yet abounding in lovingkindness and compassion. He is a God who hates sin yet loves the sinner unconditionally. He will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found, yet He will strive to save the soul of the sinner from eternal damnation. Even though we can be stubborn, He does not deal with us after our sins, or reward us with punishment according to our wickedness. That is a love that defies human understanding. This is a love I could not earn, merit or deserve. This is a love that will do all it can to preserve me from evil. That is God's love in application. 

Then the note of caution: God's love is quite amazing, but He does not force it on us. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. This is where my heart must choose to submit and surrender to Christ, of my own freewill. Earthly fathers, no matter how good, cannot force their will on a child that can now decide on things. You may counsel, advice or seek to mentor, but the decision or response is left for that child to take. There are only two possible options, and God has made clear what the end of these two options are: life or death. There is no middle ground; no other safe zone. I am either all in or all out.

The power of my choice is now reflected in the verse above. God the Father made us all for His pleasure, but there is a greater glory when the created acknowledges the power and wisdom of the Creator, and give glory, honour and praise back to Him. The Father loves all His creation, but there is a special care for those who fear and worship Him out of a clear sense of understanding of who He is, what He has done, and what He is able to do. Like any imperfect earthly father, we tend to gravitate towards a child who listens. In the same way, God is close to those who choose to obey and honour Him. You desire this close relationship? Seek to honour and obey Him. God's time of favour is here.

The Right Way!

The Right Way

Matthew 5:10 AMPC

[10] Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

The sermon on the mountain continues, and the focus today is on those who face tough times as a result of their decision to follow Christ. It has to be clear that at no time did Jesus promise a life free of trials, tough times or tribulation. Following Jesus means that you are taking a decision not to follow the world and all it represents. This goes against everything the human nature is comfortable with; this is why the decision to follow Christ is not one that the human nature can fully explain. That decision opens you up to all sorts of attacks, even from family and friends. They cannot comprehend how you would take an unpopular position. 

However, the understanding you have of who Christ is will be the anchor that keeps you stable and focused. No matter what comes your way, you know the reason why it happens is because of your faith in Christ. He has also given us ample warning and advance notice of what is coming. Be sure that the devil will not take your new allegiance lightly; he will do all he can to distract, deceive and destabilise; after all, his mission is to steal, to kill and to destroy, and he has been in this business since the account of creation. Hs knows what he has lost forever, and he will do all he can to get as many people as possible to his side. You cannot give the devil that much control.

For all who are born again, there is a new life birthed in us, sustained by the presence of God in us, and a seal of eternal redemption. Whilst we wait for the eternal, we have to live in the present, and prepare for the eternal. God in His wisdom knows how best to prepare us for what is coming. He is the wise pharmacist, who prescribes the experiences and encounters the way He sees best, in the measures that are appropriate, and in the seasons that will work out His glory. He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, and if He allows it, be sure that He has made a way of escape for us. What other way can the love of God be explained or applied? 

It is not a wonder, then, that the verse above calls such people who experience God this way as blessed. They enjoy His favour, as a Father gives liberally to His children, and they find satisfaction in Him. They can endure pain and distress, because the focus is not just on the earthly, but the eternal. They may suffer persecution, but they know it is only for a season, and the blessings that come from the experiences make the experiences worth it. At the end of it all is eternal life, the crowning glory of a life lived in total surrender to God. If you go with God, there will be no regrets. Make sure Christ is in charge; the end will be worth it. God's time of favour is here.

Peace!

Peace!

Matthew 5:9 AMP

[9] “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.

Another category of persons that God calls blessed are the makers and maintainers of peace. Reflect on this: there are people who choose peace over being proven right. They know who they are, they know what is right and fair, but without compromising on their faith in God, or breaking the law, they are able to find a way out of conflict or trouble. It does not mean that they are weak; they have just found a higher calling and a more efficient way to make God known. What makes this even more important is the truth that those who seek to be like God have to show off His nature and characteristics. How else can I show God off than to show off His nature?

Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He did not come to lay aside the law that prescribed punishment for sin, but He came to fulfil and discharge its requirements in a different way. He died in the place of those who actually did the wrong, but in His sacrifice, He has opened up a new way of access to God, and by Him, we now have His life in us, His name on us, and His nature in and shining through us. When we speak, we reflect His identity. When we relate, we show off His presence and power in us. This is why it has always been emphasized that this message is for disciples and not the uncommitted majority. Am I one of His disciples, or am I still one of the crowd?

Why is peace the focus? Peace is defined as 'much more than the mere absence of conflict or war. It is a holistic state of completeness, soundness, well-being, and harmony. It is a state of right relationship with God, oneself, and others, ultimately rooted in the character of God'. This is the strength and power of the peace that is spoken about here: it flows from God to us, and it impacts all areas of our lives. It is hard to compartmentalise my life and only allow God's peace to thrive in some areas of my life. If God does not control all, it will be hard for that life to really experience the version of peace that is the focus here. Is God in full control of my life? Does He own all?

The world is looking out for the difference. 8t has seen all versions of conflicts, as well as pretenders. It is those who have God that can show off this right version of peace. If I have Him, I am able to make and maintain peace. It does not mean that everyone will believe or accept the message, but they know where I stand and who I believe in. Jesus also told His disciples then, and He also tells us now that if we let His peace reign in and through us, we express His character, and men will see His imprint in and on us. What grace it is for men to call me a child of God, because they can see His life in me. Can the same be said of you? God's time of favour is here.

Pure!

Pure!

Matthew 5:8 AMP

[8] “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God.

Today, we consider yet again another one of the classes of people Jesus refers to as blessed. It is important to consider what God calls blessed, as it is not the same as what the world calls blessed. To be blessed is to 'experience God's divine favor, inner peace, and spiritual well-being, rather than material wealth or perfect circumstances. It is a state of deep, joy-filled contentment that remains untouched by life's hardships'. It is first an inner state that impacts the outward; the world sets it the other way around. This tells me is that it is difficult for the world to defend a definition of being blessed that it can totally explain or fully understand. 

The world will not understand the demands of the verse above. This is also why the charge in the verse above was given to the disciples of Jesus, and not the crowd. Pray, how does the uncommitted majority know the value of purity, when it does not even know or submit to the Holy God? The crowd will only hear and enjoy the words, but it does not have the strength or capability to obey. God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He commands it, be sure that He will supply what is needed to obey, as well as demand an accounting for that which He has commanded. Am I part of the crowd, or am I a true disciple? 

One definition of purity is 'not just about avoiding wrong behaviors, but it is a state of being morally uncompromised and wholly devoted to God. It encompasses both inner integrity and external actions, reflecting God’s own flawless character'. You do not define purity first from what a man does, but who lives in the inside of him. His external actions flow from his internal condition. His public face is a reflection of his private devotion. It has to be made clear that God is the focus of purity, as it is His own nature. God is holy, and that is His standard. The lesson here for me is to ensure that the internal is sorted; the public will take care of itself. 

Of course, when you are like God, you will end up with God. When you walk with God, you become more and more like Him. That is what proximity to God leads to. I cannot spend time with God, and men will not see His imprint on my life. I cannot be a follower of Christ Jesus and my life will not reflect His presence, glory and virtue. It is not a wonder, then, that the verse above says that the pure in heart shall see God. As they walk on earth, they will see God move in their defence. It may not always look good, but it will definitely end well. What is the use of a life that is only good for this earthly phase? I will see God when this earthly phase is over. God's time of favour is here. 

Mercy!

Mercy!

Matthew 5:7 AMP

[7] “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Again, it is important to emphasize that the audience always defines the impact of the message. Two people can hear the same words at the same time, but both of them can come to different interpretations and applications of the demands of those words. There are times when emotions, feelings or the experience of that person at the time may impact how the person receives the words, but it has to be made clear that though God knows we are human, He does not, and will not excuse sin. He will not lower His standards for anyone, but be sure that if you say you are a follower of Him, be ready to live up to His standards. 

This was at play here: Jesus was speaking to His disciples, but there was a crowd there too, listening to His words. As we now know, God will not demand from me that which He has not first supplied sufficient grace for. If He refers to those who are merciful as blessed, you need to find out what it means to be merciful, so you can enjoy the blessings as promised. Mercy refers to 'compassionate, forgiving, or lenient treatment given to someone whom you have the power to punish or harm. It means showing kindness or forbearance when fairness or justice might otherwise demand severity'. It is not mercy that the gulity demands, but the one in power offers freely, and without compulsion. 

Reflect on this: a person has truly offended, and it is clear what the punishment should be. I will not be wrong to apply the punishment as required, but the higher calling of God in my life requires me to see the person in the light of the God who also forgave, cleansed and redeemed me, so I could even be in a position where I am able to extend the same grace I have received to other people. Applying the just punishment is not wrong; God only calls us to react and respond to people with the understanding of who we are now, because of the mercy that God Himself extended to us. I am also conscious of the fact that I cannot give what I do not have.

This is why the verse above is for disciples, not the uncommitted majority. I cannot show mercy if I have not first received, personally responded to, and appropriated the mercy of God. That is why I am blessed: I have received it, and I am able to give it. Think of this as a never-ending cycle: God shows mercy; I am able to receive it and give it back to other people, and I receive more of it in return. The God who asks me to show it supplies it in abundant measure too. That is the perfect example I can pattern my life after. As the verse above makes clear, mercy shelters me and God's promises become my daily reality.  God does not owe a man; if I obey, He will deliver. As always, the choice is mine to make. God's time of favour is here. 

The Satisfaction!

The Satisfaction!

Matthew 5:6 AMP

[6] “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. 

We have already established that God seeks men who will give their lives totally to Him. He does not do partial commitments, false religion or half-hearted devotion. He wants my all, or nothing at all. I believe this has been made quite clear since the beginning of this series on the Lord’s sermon on the mountain. These words, as have also been pointed out, are for disciples, not the uncommitted crowd. The demands are tough enough; how do you expect a man who has no allegiance or devotion to Christ to put up with these?  It is a disciple who knows his master, what the master desires, and is careful to follow and obey the master. Does this describe me?

The classes of people referred to in the verse above are those who know their true state: hungry and thirsty after righteousness. These people have their pasts, and they know how far God has brought them. They are not full of themselves, or proud of any achievement, but they know they stand simply by God's grace and mercy. They also know what is lacking in their lives, are never satisfied with comforts or convenience, and are always seeking ways to please God and be in His favour. These desires are presented as hunger and thirst. When a man is truly hungry, he is never at rest until the hunger is fully satisfied. When a man is truly thirsty, there can be no rest until that thirst is appeased. 

Why is this hunger and thirst so important? It is because these are truly never satisfied all at once and are never truly gone for a true disciple. You do not outgrow a need for God. A disciple never becomes his master. Yes, you may have a mastery of an issue, but it is not a ground for pride or self-sufficiency. It is a mastery that makes you humble, and reminds you that whatever it is you have is given to you by God. It is a never-ending quest for more of God; the more of Him you know, the more of Him you desire. The more of Him you know, the more of Him you realise you are yet to know. You cannot be so full of God that there is no room for more of Him. 

This state is one that Jesus refers to as blessed. These people know the need, know the right source for the supply, and they seek after Him with all their hearts. It is no wonder that the promise of Jesus for such people is that they will be completely satisfied. How can you be completely satisfied if the hunger and thirst are never gone? This is where God is not like man; He can give you all of Him, and yet you will always come back for more of Him, because you cannot have all of Him in this lifetime. If I will be truly satisfied, I need God to fill out all areas of my life. Whatever He controls, be sure it will work out well. God's time of favour is here. 

The Inheritance!

The Inheritance!

Matthew 5:5 AMP

[5] “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.

Again, the message in the verse above is for those people who have made a decision to surrender control to another. It needs to be emphasised over and over again that there are messages for the general public, but there are demands and expectations for specific audiences, and in this case, disciples. The verse above is taken from the first Sermon of Jesus on the mountain, as He sat down with the men He had chosen to follow Him. There was a massive crowd at the foot of the mountain, but at this time, the message was not for them. It will be hard to demand accountability from someone who has not opened an account with you.

It is hard to expect allegiance from someone who is not subject to your rules of residence or citizenship. As it is applicable to the world's system, so is it also applicable to the spiritual system. The first step towards getting a hand on the blessings described in the verse above is to have the One who can give them to you living inside of you. How can I be led the right way if I do not have the right content and control? The world is a pressure cooker; it demands instant gratification, and also places unreasonable demands for riches, relevance and reward. It is a never-ending cycle because you do not have a clear view of what success and satisfaction look like. 

The verse above refers to the gentle, whilst another person calls them the meek. What does this mean to be meek? It is 'the quality of being quiet, gentle, and submissive, often reflecting deep inner humility' it is sometimes associated with timidity, but more accurately defined as "strength under control", which is the ability to assert power but choosing to exercise restraint, kindness, and patience. Reflect on this: Moses had power: he could call out water from a rock; his staff was used to perform mighty miracles; God spoke with him face to face, as a man speaks with his friend; God defended him vigorously even against his own brother and sister, yet he never sought an advantage. 

He did not seek to be bigger or better than anyone. That is being meek or gentle. Even when the occasion calls for it, can I trust God to sort things out, whilst I wait on His leading and guidance? Can I speak only as and when He commands, not to push an agenda, but to seek His glory? It is not a wonder, then, that the reward for being meek or gentle is to inherit the earth. It is not so much the tangible space called earth, but the benefits, blessings and balance of the earthly phase. Picture a man who has God inside Him, and peace all around him, even in the face of pressure. There is inward peace and spiritual security. Who else, except God, can give you these? God's time of favour is here.