The sixth Beatitude say: "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Approved by God are those who have a pure heart. What does it mean to have a pure heart? The word pure in the Greek means clean from pollution, clean from the guilt of sin; sincere and upright. Just in the very definition we see that a pure heart is not what a human can do on their own, but rather what Christ has done and is doing for us. Christ is conforming us to His standard, the standard of holiness. Man, naturally has a wicked heart (Jer. 17:9), and needs a heart transplant - a pure heart (Ez. 11:10, Ps. 51:10). When God gives us His heart, it is kept pure as we walk after the Spirit of Righteousness (2 Tim. 2:22).
Our illustration for this beatitude comes from Luke 19:1-10. In the story of Zaccheus, we are introduced to one of the "worse" figures is society. To a Jew, if anyone is filthy and on their way to hell, the tax collectors were in front of the line. By his encounter with Jesus we see three actions one must take in order to have a pure heart. First, you must seek Jesus. Zaccheus could have made many excuse and even had a valid obstacle (his height) from seeing Jesus, and yet he kept persistent despite personal obstacles and reputation (19:3-4). Second, you must obey Jesus (19:5-6). When Jesus spoke, he quickly followed. He did not question or falter, he received Jesus into his house quickly and with great happiness. Third, you must be possessed by Jesus (19:7-8). After listening to Jesus, we see that Zaccheus purposed to living right. He could not make this change on his own, he was now possessed by Christ. And the way you can know that you are possessed by Christ is the willingness and joy you have to give up your money and possession in order to help others. You see, purity of heart is not only seen in one's faith but also in one's works (James 2:1-ff). When we have Jesus controlling our lives, it is His desire to make us like Him every day. When we walk with a pure heart, then we will truly have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 5
We come to the fifth Beatitude in Matthew 5:7 - "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." A popular Roman philosopher called mercy "the disease of the soul." In Roman culture, it was a supreme sign of weakness to show mercy; so you can image the looks on the disciple's faces when they heard that God's blessing is directed connected with mercy. The word "mercy" means charitable acts; it is compassion toward those who have a real need. The residents of the Kingdom are not takers but givers. One who practices mercy not only will have less stress but will also reflect a personal relationship with Christ. For you see, mercy is the very heart of God (Ps. 106:45).
Let us look at several passages in Scripture that will give us a better illustration of what mercy says to we live and do it. In Matt. 18:21-ff, we see that mercy tells others "I forgive you!" These are hard words, and yet they are possible, only by God's strength, to be said to those who have hurt you in the past. When we forgive, it is an act of mercy, and an act that will reduce our stress. In Luke 10:30-37, mercy said, "I love you!" It was the Samaritan who had mercy on the Jewish traveler, beat up and left for dead. In John 8:1-11, we read that mercy says to others, "God's grace is for you!" In this story, it was mercy that said, "I do not condemn you" and it was grace that said, "Go, and sin no more." Have you experience God's grace? If not, all you have to do is cry out for His mercy and forgiveness of sin today? Lastly, in Luke 16:19-ff, we see that mercy says to others, "God is the final Judge!" The rich man showed no mercy to Lazarus on this earth, and yet roles were reversed when both died. We are commanded to show mercy to all men. We are not asked to debate it, analyze it, or dissect it; we are to simply give mercy to all men no matter their behavior toward us. This act can only be done with God's Spirit, and it is the behavior of every resident in heaven. Well, until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Let us look at several passages in Scripture that will give us a better illustration of what mercy says to we live and do it. In Matt. 18:21-ff, we see that mercy tells others "I forgive you!" These are hard words, and yet they are possible, only by God's strength, to be said to those who have hurt you in the past. When we forgive, it is an act of mercy, and an act that will reduce our stress. In Luke 10:30-37, mercy said, "I love you!" It was the Samaritan who had mercy on the Jewish traveler, beat up and left for dead. In John 8:1-11, we read that mercy says to others, "God's grace is for you!" In this story, it was mercy that said, "I do not condemn you" and it was grace that said, "Go, and sin no more." Have you experience God's grace? If not, all you have to do is cry out for His mercy and forgiveness of sin today? Lastly, in Luke 16:19-ff, we see that mercy says to others, "God is the final Judge!" The rich man showed no mercy to Lazarus on this earth, and yet roles were reversed when both died. We are commanded to show mercy to all men. We are not asked to debate it, analyze it, or dissect it; we are to simply give mercy to all men no matter their behavior toward us. This act can only be done with God's Spirit, and it is the behavior of every resident in heaven. Well, until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)