City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the ^[a]mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. ² And He opened His mouth and began to teach 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 gentle, for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:1-5

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 34:18

Reflection

Thought #1: Occasionally I have come across teachers who point out that most people listening to Jesus did not know how to read or write.  But I have never encountered one who pointed out that neither did most people live without the benefit of pockets.  Yes, of course, people had purses or money bags, in which sometimes 30 pieces of silver could be carried.  But the occurrence of a flap of cloth sown to the inside or outside of a robe was rare.

Thought #2: My old pastor, Mark McClimens went on a missions trip to India, on which he experiences some of the most amazing things of his life.  He would often work stories of his travels into his sermons.  In one of the poor places he went, he said that he was impressed with the heart of service the people showed him. They were poor, but they were so willing to give of what little they had to a stranger bringing the good news of God’s kingdom.

Thought #3: On that same trip to India, Pastor McClimens said that some of the poor would find a discarded pen, which often had no ink, and carry it around in their pocket.  Having a pen was a status symbol. It meant that you were important enough to have to write things down.

Thought #4: And finally, how did Matthew manage to remember and write down this whole speech?  Did Jesus give him an outline before he started talking?

Application

While these seem to be somewhat random thoughts, they are thoughts that you can spend a bit of time with.  We live in such a modern society, we often forget the world in which these words were spoken.  There is a freedom in walking without pockets, yet having your needs met.  There is a wholeness to one’s heart knowing that you can give no matter how little you have.  And it is a fearful thing to live a life without a peaceful heart and being desperate for things.

Rather than thinking of the struggle you are going through, consider that fact that God knows who you are and is looking to not only provide for you, but to make you who He intends you to be.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the beatitudes.  They are a beacon to the lost, and comfort to the infirmed.  Please send Your Holy Spirit to us as we meditate on Your word and press us onward as we seek to live in Your kingdom.  In Jesus name, Amen.