10/1/2023

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING:

“Blessed are you when people insult you,  persecute you; falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice! Be glad  because great is your reward in heaven. It is in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5.11-12)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

Before anyone raises an eyebrow, hand or voice saying “Verses 11-12 are not a part of the Beatitudes,” I am not saying they are. However, the author of Matthew believes it so closely intimates the other eight it deserves inclusion at this point. And its focus is clearly within the scope of “defining a life of righteousness” as I have used to be the paradigm for better understanding this whole section. We should bear in mind that most all scholars agree that the authorship of Matthew is not the tax collector turned disciple and appointed by Jesus to a an apostle. A recent reading on the “call of the disciples” has brought a new light to the understanding of the differences between the disciples (followers or students) and apostles (teachers and dispersed authorities). What a tremendous transition took place in the lives of all who were disciples (not just the twelve chosen from at least 120 followers) and continued on to be called “apostles.” In Greek, the word apostles carries the weight of emissary or ambassador. An apostle is the representative of the “one in authority.” By appointment, they not only carry the aura of that “one’s” presence but their authority as well. It is with that in mind we can most certainly read in John concerning the “oneness between Jesus and the Father” as well as “the disciples/apostles and Jesus. By that same logic, there is no reason to not connect the unity of “the disciples/apostles and God” through Jesus who is the Christ. As Christ, Jesus is the “emissary and ambassador of God from Heaven to earth.” Therein we can most certainly see the rub which existed between Jesus of Nazareth (What good can come from Nazareth?) and the Scribes, Pharisees, Sanhedrin, Elders, Priests and Temple Rulers (whose authority may be assumed as heaven-bound but whose home is far from heaven.) Even the disciples were recognized as untrained rabbinnically or authorized legally by the Temple rulers. Everyone could see that. However, when they spoke, they spoke as those who were “under authority” and “with authority.” That authority came from the on-dwelling and in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit which Jesus conferred upon, prayed over and anointed the disciples when they were disciples (sent out two by two) and as apostles (each sent with a purpose and people in mind).

It is with this understanding that the “ninth” beatitude is proposed for inclusion in my reflections on this “life of righteousness.” It is linked with “persecuted for righteousness” and actually supercedes it because the believers would be persecuted as “bearers of Jesus’ name, kingdom, dominion and glory.” They become the antithesis not of righteousness but of those who claimed authority in their “self-righteous” righteousness. We see this admonition from Jesus to the disciples in John’s remembrance of the “Last Supper” and the instructional preparation before His arrest, trial and crucifixion. It is in those hours which followed the Seder Feast after Judas of Kerioth had been sent out by Jesus (yes, in this way Judas is an apostle of Jesus) to “do what you must do.” Jesus built upon the strength, weakness, character and skill set of each man (and woman) to accomplish God’s will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Everyone on earth and in Heaven has a “job” to do. The pay is the same, the benefits are the same, the location is the same, etc. but the work becomes individually unique and blessed by God as “good.” Thus, believers (not necessarily in Jesus as the Christ) could do works of righteousness seeking the good of others (such as “The Good Samaritan”) and be hated by those who never wanted those things to happen. Imagine how it would be if Jesus only did “good works” among the people and they started following Him for more good works. Well, many early followers or disciples did exactly that. Don ‘t believe me? Consider those who followed Jesus the next day after He fed the five thousand men and their families with the meager resource of loaves and fish. They saw the miracle. But, what they saw more was “a gravy train.” Hey, hook on to Jesus and it is free food, drink and entertainment. All you have to do is just listen to the “pitch” and the handouts will follow. Except, that is not the way it worked. And Jesus was not the perpetrator of a “bait and switch” either. The caveat for such provision as a “Good Shepherd” would provide was fealty to the “Good Shepherd.” There was a price to be paid for following after Jesus. Work, not works righteousness, was expected. It was the “work of the Kingdom” which was to surrender all one had to become a follower, teacher, preacher, provider and servant of the gospel which God was making known. It meant a life and a lifestyle. It was a lifestyle free from the Pharasaical confines of never-ending legalities and expectations. It was a lifestyle, however, that was bound in “spirit and in truth” to worship the one True God and Him only to be served. For many, that was too difficult a thing to do. What they hoped for was a type of “prosperity gospel.” What Jesus was offering was a gospel that prospered the kingdom of God on earth and the restoration of hope for a lost and broken people. Jesus did not promise a chicken in every pot, a donkey and cart in every garage nor a bankroll that never ended. He did promise “life eternal,” “abundant life of needs being met” and “His abiding presence and encouragement via the Holy Spirit.” He also promised that such a lifestyle would be in such contradistinction to their current culture and climate (mostly because it was the truth) would leave them hated, reviled and victims of persecution up to and including martyrdom. His resurrection would prove that, regardless, there was more to life than life on earth!

This is the culmination of living righteously as described in the Beatitudes and the Ten Commandments. You see this is how they exceed the legal expectations as derived in the hearts and mind of people who seek to rule and not lead. They are the descriptions and prescriptions of righteous which Jesus emulated perfectly…for a price. What is that price? It is nothing less and nothing more than God’s pure love. That is why Paul, Jesus’ appointed and anointed disciple/apostle post-resurrection, would write “Let love be your greatest aim.” (1 Corinthians 14.1) He uses the word “aim” in the same sense as describing sin, hamartia, as “poorly aiming and thus missing the mark.” Living a life of righteousness hits the mark for God to the benefit of others. It also, as Jesus declared, will hit a sore spot for many others who believe God is for their benefit and no one else. Keep your eye on the prize, mighty ones of God. Let nothing and no one distract the aim and intention of your life redeemed and directed by Jesus Christ.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD:

Father, You have revealed to us best in Jesus the Christ. By Him and Him alone shall we gain the eternal life and our place in eternal rest, living for You always. Show us more and by Your Holy Spirit instruct us in the way we should go, the truth we should reveal and the life we shall live with you forever. In Jesus’ name, we pray. AMEN.