The Beatitudes, Part 7

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

— Matthew 5:10

Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.

I often refer to God as “the God of Detail.” From flowers and sunsets to neighbors and nurses, I am often struck by his hand in the smallest of details. Some will say you can find love in the details; I would agree. Just look around, you see his details (love) everywhere!

The scripture that we have been studying over the last few weeks is no different. In chapter 5 of Matthew, Jesus begins by teaching his disciples using the Beatitudes. He has placed each one in order and, in his perfection, the first 7 lead up to the 8th: Blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness.

If we are poor in spirit, mourn, humble, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure-hearted, and workers of peace, there is a high probability we will experience persecution. If we model our life after Christ, using the Beatitudes as our litmus test, we will suffer. As I have meditated over each Beatitude, I often asked myself, what does that look like through my words and actions? Each one, in its own way, can be difficult in striving to master, but ideally, we must display them all.

The final Beatitude is the only one that is explained further as we read Verses 11 and 12:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. - Matthew 5:11-12

If we purposefully live a righteous life, we will be insulted, persecuted, and slandered. But take heart and rejoice, because we will find favor in the eyes of the Lord and our reward will be eternal. Again, looking to our Savior we see nothing short of perfection, as his life on earth exhibited all the characteristics of the Beatitudes, even as he was led to the cross.

-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care

The Beatitudes, Part 6

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

— Matthew 5:9

Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.

Peacemakers—one who makes peace. I don’t know about you, but peace almost seems unattainable in our world’s and country’s current situation. Life as we know it is anything but peaceful and yet it seems to be a universal desire. Yet, why is peace so hard to come by? And even harder to produce? Because peace is not manmade…we must submit ourselves to our Creator to experience true peace.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7

The New Living Translation of Matthew 5:9 states “blessed are those who WORK for peace.” The verb “work” is full of action, not a docile waiting for something to happen. What does work for peace look like? It may look very different for each one of us, but I would ask do your actions, words, thoughts, and the way you love move others towards peace? Is your compassion and love for others so great, that those around you sense harmony?

Again, like all the previous beatitudes, for us to even slightly obtain peace we must look to the one who lived a perfect life. Isaiah 9:6b describes this man:

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

One of the many names for Christ is “Prince of Peace.” The man we are to emulate our lives after displayed perfect peace. Jesus, in perfect union with his father, was able to exhibit peace through his way of life. Follow his example, lead a life of peace that only is found in God, so that others will know the Father’s love!

-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care

The Beatitudes, Part 5

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

— Matthew 5:7

Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.

Blessed are the merciful, the fifth beatitude from Christ. Mercy. What is mercy? Webster defines mercy as, compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.

Are you merciful to others? Do you show compassion to those who you have every “right” to punish or harm? Is forgiveness your first line of defense when you have been wronged?

Having mercy can be extremely difficult. The only way we will be able to show true compassion is to follow Christ’s example.

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV) explains how each one of us have been saved through Christ’s love, grace and mercy:

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

Also, in Titus 3:4-5 (NLT), Paul reminds this young leader and the Church of their Savior’s love and kindness because of his mercy:

But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.

How are we able to show compassion to others? The same way Jesus did—through love, kindness and grace. We must put others before ourselves and offer compassion that may not be deserved, but would speak volumes of Christ’s love! Each of us have been shown this mercy, compassion, and forgiveness that only Christ can give. Because of his mercy, we have experienced a life of grace and will experience an eternity with Him! Don’t you want your life to reflect this kindness and compassion, so that other’s will turn to their loving Savior?

-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care

The Beatitudes, Part 4

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

— Matthew 5:6

Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.

I don’t know about you, but for about the last eight weeks I have been eating more than usual. I have used some of the extra time at home to bake, try new recipes and eat meals with my family. I do not believe I have really been overly hungry or thirsty during this time of quarantine because my needs (and wants) have been met. The fourth beatitude in Matthew says that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed. There seems to be a passion, a sense of urgency that is described in pursuing this righteousness. Unlike me knowing that my next meal is in just a few hours away, there is a sense to strive, hunger and thirst, for this virtue.

The righteousness here is not self-righteousness, but Godly righteousness. As followers of Christ there must be a passionate pursuit for justice. Ultimately only pure righteousness is found in salvation through Christ Jesus. Our quest for righteousness should mirror Christ. Isaiah describes this justice found in God’s Son.

Isaiah 42:1-4 (NLT):

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen.
    He is my chosen one, who pleases me.
I have put my Spirit upon him.
    He will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout
    or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
    or put out a flickering candle.
    He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
He will not falter or lose heart
    until justice prevails throughout the earth.
    Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

As we pray for a heart that yearns for justice, as we pursue righteousness for the weak, and as we love the one who has been wronged, God promises that we will be filled. We will be full! Not like being full after a good meal, but a fullness that lasts for eternity. A filling of God himself in us. I pray that you have such a deep longing for righteousness that your body aches as if you are extremely hungry and thirsty and in return be full.

-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care

The Beatitudes, Part 3

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

— Matthew 5:5

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Photo by Lindley Webster

Click here to read the introduction to this series on the Beatitudes.

Blessed are the meek, or the humble. The definition of “humble,” according to Webster’s Dictionary, “is having or showing a modest or low estimate of one’s own importance.” Not devaluing oneself, but putting others’ needs before your own. In Matthew 11, Jesus gives us a glimpse in how we are to live this out. Christ calls us to himself and there we are to learn from him.

Matthew 11:28-30  (NLT):

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

We are to be teachable and we are to imitate Christ in all we say and do. Jesus describes himself here as humble and gentle at heart. If we take his yoke and follow his teachings, we can be humble and gentle, too. Jesus’ ministry on earth was built to serve others. He always cared for and loved his people, even to death. We must humble ourselves and show our love for his people. Jesus does not leave us alone to figure life out...no, he provides a way in which he carries the burden and provides rest. If we are truly able to be meek during this life, we will inherit the earth and eternity with him.

Are you willing to follow Christ’s lead in humility? Are you able to put other’s needs before your own? Are you willing to inherit the earth at the cost of an easy yoke, light burdens, and life lived in meekness?

-Pastor Darcy Webster
Associate Pastor of Operations and Pastoral Care