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Scripture.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:12 KJV
Devotion.
The Sermon on the Mount starts with what is known as the “Beatitudes,” the blessings which refers to the basis of a happy life. Blessed means happy. Happiness in this context goes with holiness. Blessed are:
1. The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). Blessed are the beggars in spirit. Blessed are the spiritual paupers, blessed are the spiritually destitute, blessed are the spiritually bankrupt ones who cringe and cower because of their helplessness. In spiritual things, poor in spirit is the opposite not of self-esteem, but of spiritual pride. The Lord condemns the self-sufficiency that springs from spiritual pride. The poor in spirit is the heart on its knees. It speaks of attitude of utter dependence.
2. Those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). Christ does not refer to the sorrow of bereavement, but to the sorrow of repentance, the sorrow for the loss of innocence or self-respect. Servant leaders are the people of tears. When servants shed tears of devotions and desire, God comforts them. Mourning drives us to the God of all comfort.
3. The meek (Matthew 5:5). The world equates meekness with one who is mousy, a weakling, a pushover—yes, a coward. But biblically, meekness speaks of fearless boldness as exemplified in Moses (Numbers 12:3). He was unafraid before Pharaoh. Moses possesses holy boldness and godly fearlessness.
4. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). This is the secret of spiritual gianthood. The secret of spiritual growth is a spiritual appetite. A voracious appetite for the Word of God and the Person of Jesus Christ can only be satisfied by feeding on His Word and by communing with God. Spiritual growth, spiritual development, and spiritual health are inseparably united to spiritual appetite.
5. Those who are merciful (Matthew 5:7). This is compassion for people in need. Just as Christ shows mercy to those in need, so should His followers show mercy to the needy.
6. Those who are pure in heart (Matthew 5:8). God is holy. He is a God of absolute righteousness. In Him is no sin, and He demands that His servants must stand and walk in His presence in no less than His unalterable holiness.
7. The peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Every Christian is meant to be a peacemaker both in the community and in the church. Peacemaking involves reconciliation. We are called to resolve disputes and conflicts in the best peaceful ways we have. Instead of being troublemakers, we are called upon to be peacemakers.
8. Those persecuted for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:10-12). Persecution is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value-systems. Despise, rejection, slander, and persecution are all the normal marks of servant-leadership. Identity with Christ’s name means refusing to be in tune with the world or to accommodate oneself to its standards. To be a servant leader is to be a stranger in the world, unwelcome guest, and a disturber of peace. No wonder the world hates us!
Let us serve Christ and His people happily, with holiness, as carriers of God’s character to the needy world.
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