Blessed Are
Posted on Feb 01, 2017 by
In baptism, we are claimed by our creator through water and word. Our family and congregation make a commitment to bring us up in the faith and teach us the scriptures. In confirmation, we study the scriptures and make our own profession of faith as we affirm our baptism. Unfortunately, I don’t remember the chapter on how to live in an imperfect world while also following a radical, loving, and challenging savior, Jesus Christ. We don’t often talk about the fact that faith and life aren't a black and white proposition but more often many shades of gray to discern. We tend to box everything up neat and tidy and lean away from the discomfort of a broken world.
This past week our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community, both here and abroad, experienced a message of intolerance. A message to the refugee that said there is no room at the inn for you and your kind. This past Sunday, I asked our senior high Sunday school class their opinion regarding the ban on muslim refugees and the priority on Christian refugees. In varying degrees of discontent, they all shared that this was not the right way to safeguard our country nor the message to send the most vulnerable in our world.
As followers of Christ, are we not called to stop on the side of the road to help the wounded man as the Samaritan did? Do we truly see his wounds and care enough to bandage them and treat his injuries? Are we not then willing or able to help ensure that he has a safe place to heal and get back on his feet?
No one said this Jesus stuff was going to be easy and yet we so often use the law to protect us from the Gospel.
My prayer this week is that when we hear the refugees cries for help that our first response will be, I will and I ask God to help and guide me.
5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Peace- John Holt
Director of Youth and Family Ministries