Let It Shine (Matthew 5:14-16)

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16, NASB95)

Driving the mountain passes at night I continue to be amazed how dark it can actually be when I get away from the city lights. And when I am heading home I find it quite affirming to see the glow of those lights rising above the mountains to let me know that my destination is near. After speaking about the purity of our lives and the preserving impact that we have on society when we live unpolluted lives according to God’s ordinances, Jesus gives us another illustration of how our lives are to impact those around us.  

Jesus calls His followers the light of the world, and He speaks about us as light in several ways in order to drive a fuller meaning of what He intended. In our world, where man has suppressed the truth concerning God, we are all of God that many may see because of the darkness in their hearts and minds. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:4–6, NASB95)

Jesus pointed to the greatness of this light when it sits high upon a hill as a light which cannot be hidden. As I have pondered the various aspects of light, I thought first of the light that shines when the church comes together to shine light on its surroundings. And with this I thought of Jesus’ commands for us as believers and the impact that following those commands will have on those who need light in their lives. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34–35, NASB95)

And not only does it shine when the world sees how we treat one another, it also shines when we engage with our communities and our love is shown in very practical ways whether that be through rescue missions, food pantries, drop in meal centers, or outreaches to our parks and other places where the needy gather. It is shown when churches unite to provide a tangible benefit to their communities and their organizations. It is shown when we care for teens on the streets or help those with addictions. And it is shown when we go beyond our local borders to help those in other areas. Historically it was the church who founded many of our colleges, provided education to the children, opened and maintained hospitals, and provided countless forms of social welfare and aid. The list of ways of shining light into communities and the world are without limit and as broad as our imagination. In all of these we have the opportunity to reach out and say, “God loves you and so do we. Won’t you please consider what He has for you?”

Jesus also pointed to the futility of lighting a light and then hiding it. What a waste of energy this is, and why would any of us do that? If we are going to make the effort to light a light then it is reasonable to assume we want that light to shine. Sure, as kids it was fun to make blanket forts and have our flashlights inside them, but the only benefit of the light in those times was to those inside the fort. But when we light a light for purposes of seeing we want that light in a prominent place so that it provides the most light to everyone around. The place for this light, before turning a bulb into our electric sockets and flipping a switch, was to put our candles in a lampstand. And as the lampstand stood tall it illuminated the room. As people saved by grace we have the light of God in us, and it is incumbent upon us to live in such a way in all areas of our lives that this light is continually on display. The ways we display this light really have to do with the way we walk right before God and others and evidence the love of God to them in regular and practical ways.

Jesus summarizes our responsibility as light by reminding us of the ultimate purpose of us remaining here as light, and that is that as people look at us and our good works they might see through us our great and awesome God and come to glorify Him themselves.

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5, NASB95)

“Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”” (Ephesians 5:7–14, NASB95)

And through you!

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel - NO! I'm gonna let it shine.

Don't let Satan blow it out. I'm gonna let it shine.

Let it shine til Jesus comes. I'm gonna let it shine.

let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.

Savor Purity (Matthew 5:13)

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” (Matthew 5:13, NASB95)

The last beatitude in Matthew 5 that Jesus spoke of was concerning living righteous lives which reflect the righteousness of Christ which has been credited to us. This word “righteous” to some might come with a sense of aloofness or a better than you attitude. But this form of righteousness is one that is based in the works which the individual has done and as such it is more appropriately seen as self-righteousness. It is this self-righteous attitude which was common to the Pharisees and which Jesus strongly confronted. But the Bible speaks of another form of righteousness which we are to seek after, and it is one that is marked by personal integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting. This righteousness comes from a heart and mind that knows that all of these are a grateful response to what God has done in us through salvation and as a result of His Spirit working in us to grow us in conformity to the image of His Son.

In the list of the synonyms used to describe righteousness is “purity.” It is this purity that Jesus speaks of in this next statement in Matthew 5, where He speaks of us as being the salt of the earth that does not lose its saltiness. According to all that I have read pure salt cannot lose its saltiness. It is only when salt becomes diluted that it seems less salty. And when it is diluted enough it loses all of its benefit both as a flavoring and as a preservative. It is at this point that salt for all intent and purpose is ready to be tossed aside and even trampled underfoot.

We live in a world that has suppressed the truth of God written on their hearts as we read in Romans chapter 1, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:18–21, NASB95)

In the verses which follow in Romans 1 the apostle Paul continues by illustrating this downward spiral of denying God and turning to “ungodliness and unrighteousness.” The list is by no means inclusive, but it is definitely descriptive to what happens when truth does not direct one’s life nor is purity the objective. Even those who profess Christ as their Savior can be subject to this desalinating process when they let the things of the world creep in and grab hold of various aspects of their lives. This can even affect churches when they are not careful in those they allow to teach God’s Word. In Acts chapter 20 we have a record of Paul’s instructions to the elders of the Ephesian churches in this regard.

“For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” (Acts 20:27–32, NASB95)

The apostle Peter wrote in response to the salvation we have been freely given, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” … “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,” (1 Peter 1:13-16, 22, NASB95)

Sure there are a lot of ways we can look at salt as a vital part of our lives. There are numerous illustrations of how salt can be used, and there are large numbers of phrases concerning it that are even used in our common speech such as “not rubbing salt into someone’s wound” as if to make it even more painful.

Jesus calls us “the salt of the earth.” We are His sanctifying preservative in a world lost in sin, and we are the only ones that the world can look to who embody the work of God to save and change lives. As His ambassadors to this world we are called to live in such a way that others see our good works and glorify God. As we continue to live righteous lives there will be those who are greatly offended, but there WILL be others who truly do taste and see that God is good.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” (Psalm 34:8, NASB95) As Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NASB95) 

Blessed Hope (Matthew 5:10-12)

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:10-12, NASB95)

These beatitudes began with those who are poor in spirit and progressed through mourning, gentleness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful and doing so with a pure heart seeking to be peacemakers in a world where real peace is only found in God. The last beatitude deals with persecution and it is a repeated and re-framed one which seems to be a culmination of a progression of all of the earlier beatitudes.

In previous readings of the Matthew 5 I did not necessarily make such a progressive link, but this time I did. I think it has in part to due with what has been a dominant thread in some portions of our news media. Over the past many months (even years) we have seen people who stand for righteousness attacked for their faith positions.

Even today I read of a couple who were denied a hearing by their State’s Supreme Court for their refusal to participate as videographers in a same sex wedding, citing their participation as a violation of their religious conscience. This couple was told by the court that they had to set aside their faith when they entered the public market as a business. I do not know this couple and I do not have access to them to speak with them, but I’m sure their faith means more to them that a court ruling and that this is not the end of their fight nor is it likely to be the end of their persecution for their faith.

I also read today of an update concerning a sports broadcaster who was terminated from his position within 24 hours of beginning his employment with a major sports network because of his biblical position on marriage. He did not get his job back, but had to move on. Today he joined the staff of a major faith based organization given to the cause of defending faith and faith positions in the public arena whether it is in sport, business, politics and legislation, or education including teachers, students, and their subject matter. This individual is now using his talents to help others with the same or similar struggles.

We are clearly in a time when holding sound biblical positions in the public arena is no longer popular among some verbally vehement and powerful groups. These individuals go way beyond normal discourse, using intensely derogatory speech and demanding harsh responses of those who have power over their targets (e.g., employers, courts).

We live in a time in this country where living openly righteous lives is turning from being admired and encouraged to being detested. Jesus saw this in His life and He pointed back to it happening to the prophets who spoke out against the rebellion and sins of the people. In these verses Jesus acknowledges that this persecution will continue. He even spoke of what we are seeing today when people of faith are being accosted with insults and malicious lies. But God has given His Word as truth, and His truth is not subject to public whim or the desires of man and his systems.

Last night I was in a class where I heard the following statement, “Truth is by definition intolerant.” The reason for this is that with truth there can only be one right answer. The world cannot tolerate this position because if we are right, then they by definition have to be wrong. It is for this reason that those who place their trust in God will continue to be a source of consternation for the world and those who insist on living apart from its precepts. It doesn’t even matter to some how we phrase our disagreement or how much kindness or mercy we might show. To a very real degree it is not the method of the message but the message itself and its source, Jesus Christ, to which the world objects.

The cases cited above are not about people standing on a street corner pointing to the sins of those walking the streets, but they are people who live their convictions before Christ in all that they give themselves to. These people are not rigidly legalistic, unkind, or harsh in their speech. From what I have read they have even been very much the opposite. It comes down to them making known in some way that their faith directs their lives, and in that they have to remain true to their conscience before God. And for that, the sake of righteousness, they suffer persecution.

There are none of us who are perfect, nor are there any who follow God’s Word without infraction and even deception. It never has been about us getting our lives squared away before God would accept us. It has always been about trusting Him by faith. Through the sacrifice of Christ, salvation is given to all who believe. With salvation comes the gift of the Holy Spirit to grow us in Christ and lead us in His truth as we learn, rightly handle, and abide by His Word hidden in our hearts.

Every individual is accountable to God. He is the only righteous and true judge. Some will appear before God as His children, saved by faith, to have their works weighed for reward. Others will bow before Him judged for their sins with only their works which will not satisfy. Recognizing this, there will continue to be many who do not agree with or accept God or the precepts of His infallible Word. It is in response to His great love that we love others, even enduring hardship and ill treatment that we might show how real is His love for us and them. God will use our distress and persecution for His glory and our reward. This is a certain promise.

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31–39, NASB95)

Beatitude facet number 8: “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Blessed Peace (Matthew 5:9)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NASB95)

Peace is a huge subject in the Bible. It is the desire of most people’s hearts, and there is frequently no length that people would not go in order to obtain that peace. For many this peace is equated with calm, and with calm there is the picture of not making waves. The hard part of this, however, is that we live in a world where waves are part of the normal course of events.

This is particularly so when beliefs, values, preferences, or desires between individuals or groups of individuals clash. We are seeing this today as one traditional value position of this country upon another is challenged. This is not a new world condition. Jesus, Himself, knew the harsh response of those who were opposed to Him and the message He proclaimed. The apostles and early followers of Christ knew intense persecution as a result of their faith, many even were likely not outspoken but merely known to be followers of the Way.

This was the mission of a man named Saul, as we read in Acts “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1–2, NASB95)

But then something radical happened in Saul’s life. Acts 9 goes on to record, “As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.” (Acts 9:3-8) After arriving at Damascus God sent someone to tell Paul what was to be his new purpose … “But the Lord said to him [Ananias], “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”” (Acts 9:15–16, NASB95)

The gospel message has enemies. This is a reality. But God is able to change enemies’ hearts just as He did Paul’s. Paul wrote this about even the hatefulness of the Jews and the ultimate purpose of God in chapter 11 of Romans, where we read, “From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:28–29, NASB95)

Knowing his own salvation and the power of God to change hearts, Paul wrote in the next chapter of Romans, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17–21, NASB95)

We cannot control both sides of the peace formula, but we do have control over our side. Even in disagreement there is a way to respond which is right before God. The same Paul who stood before religious and secular leaders to defend his faith and to proclaim the gospel of Christ, willingly suffering imprisonment as a consequence wrote, “so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” In this we see that the answer to peace is not found in compromising the message, but being compassionately wise in how we present it.

Paul’s ultimate purpose in presenting the good news of Jesus dying for our sins and being raised from the dead on the third day was not to make peace among men, but to bring people to peace with God. In Romans 5 we see the clear link between knowing the peace of God and receiving the forgiveness of sins.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” (Romans 5:1–11, NASB95)

It was this message that has compelled so many people over the history of the church to endure harsh treatment and even persecution. In this, knowing that they are at peace with God, they have even been strengthened to know the peace of God. Jesus said, as He was preparing His disciples for His leaving,

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27, NASB95)

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NASB95)

The next beatitude has to do with persecution, and as we look at the issue of peace it is often difficult to separate it from the surrounding conflict. It is in this conflict that God has given us His Word for direction and His Spirit as a constant help and assurance.

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:14–17, NASB95)

Our God knows our troubled hearts. He knows our every struggle, and He knows the condition of every heart around us. He knows those hearts who have trusted and those who will trust. He is faithful to bring to Himself each and every one who is called, calling upon the name of His Son for salvation. Through Jesus we are made to be at peace with God. And He has made it such that we can know the peace of God in the midst of whatever struggle we might encounter in this life.

It is because we have seen the grace of God that we can know the peace of God. Grace and peace to each of you.

Beatitude facet number 7: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Be-Attitude Check (Philippians 4:13)

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB95)

For the past several days I have been working through Jesus’ “blessed are” statements in Matthew chapter 5, but today I am taking a break for an attitude check.

Words are powerful things, especially when people use them to speak of or describe others. Their meanings and the impact of them, while being used by one person, really find their impact in the heart and mind of the hearer. In this there is much room for building up, tearing down, and miscommunicating.

Our culture is one of comparative ratings. If we go to a store we find our receipts opportunities to get some kind of a discount, win a prize, or even receive something if we simply take the time to complete a satisfaction survey. Most common in them is a five point assessment along the lines of “very satisfied”, “satisfied”, “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied”, “dissatisfied”, or “very dissatisfied”. We find questions such as, “How likely are you to recommend this store or this product to a friend?” And the response choices are given to us on a similar scale.

We are a people who compare, and make value assessments based upon those comparisons. These comparisons can even be personalized in regard to things such as our looks, health, competency, quality of our work, and how much we are liked or appreciated. In this way our scale might look like “great”, “good”, “okay”, “not so good” and “bad”. And when we are anything other than “very good” then we can begin to question what’s wrong.

While these measurements may be commonplace and even applied on a regular basis in the making of decisions, they can also become very dark traps. These traps can snap closed on us when we don’t measure up to the standard of someone we value, including even ourselves. We can become self-critical. They can snap in when someone else gets selected for a job, and you get left behind wondering what made them so much better. They can snap closed when someone responds to something we have said or done with a measuring word lower on our scale than we anticipated. All of these traps snapping closed might be signs that we find our value and acceptance in the approval of others. At a minimum, they indicate a spiritual struggle over which we need to step back and look to our God who fully accepts us and who has promised to complete the work in us that He started.

There are many words that can trigger negative responses in our hearts. One of them amazingly enough is the word, “good.” On the comparative scale above “good” is next to the top. But have we become so accustomed to wanting to be “great” or “very good” that in some settings “good” is not good enough. As I thought about this word I thought about our God and His creation.

In Genesis 1 we read that God saw the light He created and it was good. He created the expanse in the midst of the waters and the dry land and heaven and sea and He saw that it was good. He created vegetation and it was good. He created the sun, moon, and stars and He saw that they were good. Then He created the sea creatures and the winged birds and they were good. Next we read that he created the land creatures and they also were good. It was at this point that God then created man in His own image, or as Scripture says, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26, NASB95) Our Triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) chose to make man, male and female, and place them in this fully created “good” place. In response to this we read, “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31, NASB95)

God’s creation was perfect, exactly as He intended and as He looked upon it He saw that it was “good.” In this light “good” is a powerful word. But even in this there was something missing, and that was man. When God created man and added him to His creation He looked upon all of it and it was then “very good.” Today, as we live in a world racked with sin, hurt, destruction, and disease we are daily reminded that there is something better. What was once very good, oftentimes now is not even close to good, and we long for the better. And when we personally struggle with this comparative scale of good we are reminded of how short we or things come.

In Romans 3 we read, “as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one;” … “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:10, 23, NASB95) We know in our hearts that we have fallen short. But our God turns that which is bad into that which is good.

In this world we continue to struggle, but if we have trusted Christ for our salvation, we are not to struggle as those who have no hope (Romans 8:23-25), but as those who have been saved and made righteous in Christ. Sure, we realize what lies ahead in heaven is perfect, but for now God is in the process of conforming us to the image of His Son, and in this He is doing a good work in us. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NASB95) In this we can also know that God’s good is far and above any great that the world might have to offer. And in this we can give ourselves back to God, submitting ourselves to Him to change and direct our lives. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, NASB95)

Another one of those comparative words is “adequate.” This word is usually seen as the middle word on our scales, the one that is equal to “okay.” We often view it as neither most desired or most detested, but as something that will meet the need and serve the purpose. But even this word is easily twisted. In our desire for the best we struggle with that which is seen as less. In the job market, employers hold out for the employee who excels and not the one who will get the job done. When we make a special dinner, certain things which would normally suffice just don’t seem adequate for the occasion. In many ways we view “adequate” as being on some kind of thin line between not working at all.

But this also, is not in line with how God measures things. The first verses that came to my mind in relation to this were 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, NASB95) Notice how the good work God intends for us is tied to Him making us adequate to accomplish it. In the English Standard Version “adequate” is translated as “complete,” and the Greek word behind both has the added meaning of being specially fitted or being given a special aptitude in order to meet the situation. In relation to God’s inspired word we are given what we need to do what God intends. Of course, there is a tie here, and that tie is hiding His Word in our hearts and allowing it to shape us such that we are enabled to walk in righteousness. Becoming adequate requires training, but God is committed to training us. The bottom line is that when God makes us adequate for His work He removes any concept that in Him we are then inadequate.

“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:4–6, NASB95)

The last one for today is “Jack of all trades.” I’ve long thought I was this kind of person, realizing that I am very capable in many areas, but in this I have often wondered if there was anything that I was really good at. This can be a dangerous trap, especially if you have a history of comparing yourself to others which I did as a teenager, and which I am still not immune from even today as I am searching out God’s leading for where we are to serve. A “jack of all trades” is a good person to have around because he is adequate to do most anything, but is he the first person you pick when you are looking for a specific expertise?

We are all naturally talented, developed in skills, and gifted in different ways, and God uses the entirety of our individual wiring for His purposes. Falling into the comparative trap of measuring ourselves against others as opposed to submitting to God’s will for our lives with all of our various strengths and even weaknesses is sometimes simple to do. But in this we again have to stop and get our God perspective right. God knows exactly what He intends for each and every one of us, and what we see of this is sometimes only a small picture. We have seasons when God unfolds things before us and we see, but we also have seasons when we have to walk in uncertainty trusting that what we don’t see and can’t control are firmly held in our God’s hands.

Many years ago, I switched out the common phrase “Jack of all trades and master of none” to “Jack of all trades and grateful for the Master’s Son.” For in this new phrase I am reminded of my great hope, one that is not based on my shortcomings but upon the unlimited ability of my God who makes me adequate for His good work.”

Be Attitude Check 1: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB95)

If you are struggling in some way today concerning your personal value or the judgment others might have of you, won’t you please step back and look to our God and what He has to say both about who we are in Him and about how He promises to work.

Blessed Acceptance (Matthew 5:8)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NASB95)

Today there was big news as a top executive left the company he co-founded over an uproar concerning his support of a defense of marriage bill several years ago. Intolerance has grown so vicious in our country by groups that demand others be tolerant of their re-framed views. I do not know anything about the personal views of this chief executive, but the view on marriage which he supported is one which has long been the standard view of this country and the world. It is the one which was originated by God, established as the pattern for all mankind, and reinforced throughout Scripture. Yet over the years, a minority view has grown in its acceptance to the point that it has pushed those holding this biblical and worldwide traditional view into the outskirts of acceptability, and for that there is growing persecution.

Sure, the persecution may not be in the form of imprisonment, but when an individual can be forced to step down from a business over his rightly held views then it is persecution nonetheless. This even extends to those who have refused to participate in celebrating a same sex wedding by adding their artistic talents to the taking of pictures or the decorating of a cake. It extends even now to those who refuse to provide insurance which pays for abortive services or devices and who now are even waiting on our Supreme Court to determine if they will be further persecuted for their beliefs.

Jesus said blessed are the pure in heart. I can’t speak to the individual motives of these people mentioned above, but knowing that many of them have publicly professed belief in God and their commitment to walk right before Him and to properly handle His Word, I can reasonably assume that their motives are not hate or phobia but that of biblical conscience. And as a result all of them have suffered to some degree because of their conscience. I must reasonably assume that in walking these paths they have had to consider their motives and even the condition of their hearts. It would be very easy to become resentful of those who are persecuting them. But even in a media who has clearly stated its opposition to their stances, I see no evidence of anything other than them doing what they believe is the biblically right thing to do.

In Scripture we read a lot about our hearts and our minds. We read that we are to trust in the Lord with our whole hearts, such that we are not leaning on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all of our ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). We read that we are to watch over our hearts. And in watching over our hearts the Word of God is to perfectly inform our direction. In Psalm 119:9-11 we read, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:9–11, NASB95) Later in verses 105 and 106 we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances.” (Psalm 119:105–106, NASB95)

As we read the Bible we find that the direction of our hearts is never to diverge from the direction we receive from God’s Word, and in this it does not matter what level of resistance we might receive from those around us. There have been many who have even taken this stand to the point of death. After Christ Himself, I thought of Stephen who is recorded as the first Christian martyr. At the end of Acts chapter six Stephen is apprehended for the works God was doing through Him. Accusations were made against him, and at the beginning of Acts chapter seven he was asked if these things were so. What follows is his firm and lengthy response ending with, “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.” (Acts 7:51–53, NASB95)

Stephen called them on account for their hard and ungodly hearts. In response to this we read, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:54–60, NASB95)

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Stephen knew where his great hope was, and even as they were stoning them he pleaded to God that they might see what they had done and turn. One of the bystanders, watching the coats of those who were doing the stoning, was Saul who we recognize as Paul—one who Jesus turned from a persecutor of the followers to a follower who was persecuted.

The apostle Paul was regularly brought before officials on charges, and as we read through the book of Acts we find the record of many of these encounters, especially in the last nine chapters. Going back to Acts 24 we read his heart behind his words and his belief in the emptiness of their charges.

“When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. “Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.” (Acts 24:10–16, NASB95)

All of us have choices that we regularly make in the course of our lives when we have to decide who we are going to listen to and how we are going to handle the truths of God’s Word.  In 1 Samuel 24 David had opportunity to take the life of King Saul who had been pursuing him. But he knew this would not be right, so he compromised and cut off the corner of his robe just to show what he could have done. But even in this compromise we read, “It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe.” (1 Samuel 24:5, NASB95)

Regardless of what might happen to us in these lives, if we have trusted Christ for our salvation we know that we are children of God and that one day we will surely meet Him face to face. This is not conjecture, but a certain promise from our God who cannot lie. And when we fail in our walk and even in our dealings with man we know that our God will not turn on us as man does, but He is faithful to forgive those who He has called and accepted as His children and we will indeed see God.

Beatitude facet number 6: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Blessed Mercy (Matthew 5:7)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7, NASB95)

Mercy is such a wonderful thing. It embodies all that springs from the heart of one to care for the needs of another. It even extends to doing this when the one being helped is not one who we would deem help-worthy. In describing mercy we see it linked with words such as compassion, help, and pity.

The ultimate source and example of mercy is our God. He created everything perfect, without any defect, and this includes man and all of the heavenly beings—His angels. Yet we find in Scripture that one of those angels, one on whom He bestowed great glory, became prideful and decided that he was going to elevate himself above God. Scripture records for us that because of His pride he was cast down (Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:11ff are thought while possible descriptions of kings have a deeper picture of Satan behind them). And in being cast down he appeared before Eve and Adam to tempt them in the garden with similar lies. Here we find him referred to as “the serpent” (Genesis 3; see also Revelation 12:7-12). This encounter resulted in Eve taking the apple, eating it, and giving it to her husband who ate it as well. Right away they knew things changed, and walls began to come up. They hid from God, their bodies from each other, blamed others for their actions. As a consequence of their disobedience (sin) they were judged, put out from the garden, and separated in their daily communion with God.

Sin became the story of man and spiritual death his condition. This was the result of his actions and it remained such except that our God who is right and just is also compassionate, loving, and merciful. In response to the fullness of His attributes He provided a way for man to enter back into a relationship with Him, and that was by faith. It was the pride and actions of man and Satan that led to their fall, and God being rich in mercy was willing to forgive man for His actions. But his forgiveness would not come without a cost. In the Old Testament, men followed after God by faith, even offering up sacrifices of obedience. While many saw these sacrifices as their penance and their own works contributing to gaining God’s favor, those who trusted God by faith saw them as an obedient response to God’s great mercy being shown to them.

But even this was temporary and a pale shadow of God’s greatest mercy which was to be shown. God sent His Son, being fully God Himself and existent for all time (not being a creation of God), to be born as a man for the ultimate purpose of going to a cross to shed His blood as the perfect, once-for-all-time sacrifice fully satisfying God’s demand for justice in response to sin. Again, there was nothing man did to deserve this, but God did it because He loved us, and the only requirement for it being applied to us is to believe by faith. At the moment we believe and are saved we become children of God, joint heirs with Christ, receiving life here and now and inheriting life for all of eternity. Scripture tells us,

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:1–10, NASB95)

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Our God could not have shown us any greater mercy, and in response He calls us to be merciful to others in the same way that we have found mercy in Him. Mercy is not the abandonment of justice, but it is the taking on of the burdens of one by another. Jesus took the burden of our sin upon Himself and fully satisfied the penalty of our sin, which is death.

Mercy is more than forgiveness, but it is compassionate action. It is giving in some way to someone something to which they were not entitled because you made a choice to do this for them. In Luke 6 we also read Jesus speaking similar “blessed are” statements. As we move through the chapter we come to a section on God’s mercy, where we read,

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32–36, NASB95)

We don’t want to get this beatitude backwards in thinking that our merciful salvation is dependent upon our merciful acts toward others, because then it would no longer be mercy but reward. Rather, knowing the love of God we are to live as people of God who are merciful toward others, and in so doing we ourselves experience the mercy of God in our lives and find it returned by others. In this, as we read in Luke 6:35, “your reward will be great.” As we look even to the body of Christ, comprised of other believers, we read,

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12–15, NASB95)

During the past two years of searching God’s direction for our next place of ministry we have seen God’s mercy shown to us in many incredible ways, and most of those ways have come through the hearts and acts of others. They have done so graciously, being moved in their hearts to freely extend themselves, and for that we are incredibly grateful to them and to our God. And in this we are not alone, as we have also observed our God time and time again extend Himself through His saints to touch lives.

Beatitude facet number 5: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”