Matthew 5
-Jesus lays out important characteristics of the people who
will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven that contradict the world’s system of pride
and prestige as He sat down on the mountain and taught His disciples that came
to Him. The poor in spirit (the broken) are blessed (the experience of hope and
joy). Those that mourn (sorrow, repentant, grieving) will be comforted by the
God who cares and has compassion. The gentle (humble, meek) will inherit the
earth. The ones who hunger and thirst (an unyielding seeking and pursuit of)
after righteous will find satisfaction. The ones who display mercy and grace in
their lives will also receive the mercy and grace of the LORD. The heart must
be pure in order to see God, and peacemakers (not peacekeepers) will be called
the sons (or daughters if female) of God. Jesus gives special attention to
those who are persecuted for His sake and righteousness. He encourages us to
stay in the game and endure because He knows the pain and suffering that it
brings when we stand up for Him and obey His commands in this world by faith
(Matthew 5:1-12).
-*Application* It
is incredibly difficult to follow these beatitudes. In fact it is impossible to
achieve these things long term in our flesh (old nature, our natural state) and
on our own. We may achieve some success short term, but to have lasting fruits
we must receive God’s Holy Spirit (a transformation, a new birth) and walk in
His power. This is a way of life that contradicts the natural inclinations and
the ways of the majority in this world. This is what transformation is at the
core. Soldier on and allow God to do things His way in our life. In the end we
shall be blessed beyond measure by our great God and King.
-Next, Jesus uses the analogies of salt and light to urge
His followers on the bigger and better things. Salt has the powerful effects of
preserving (which was critical in this age of no electricity), flavoring,
enhancing safety (as with helping the surface in icy conditions), irritating
(as in salt in the wound), getting rid of bad odors, removing stains, restoring
minerals, and a host of other things that God has put into this amazing
mineral. Jesus says we must remain salty in our walk with Him. He also teaches
that we are the light of the world as long as He is in us. No light should hide
its illumination. We are to shine our Light, which is Christ, in such a way
that others will see our good works and give glory to the proper Source, the
Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).
-*Application* We
must remain in Christ to accomplish these supernatural qualities. If His Spirit
is in us, then we will be salt and light unto the glory of God. Rely on Him for
this transformation, then excel in the energy flow He gives us so that we will
never be rendered useless for the Kingdom of Heaven.
-Jesus explains His true intentions to fulfill the Law
rather than demolish, or abolish, it. In other words, He supersedes the
formality and penalty of the Law because of His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
His grace is sufficient (Romans 3:24, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Titus 3:7, 1 Peter
1:2). This grace gives a whole new perspective to the demands and requirements
of the Law, which Jesus expounds upon in this section. Grace requires new heart
attitudes from within that have pure motives and are virtually unconcerned for
the outward manifestation since that will take care of itself. Grace goes
deeper and penetrates to the core of our being fulfilling God’s ultimate desire
and plan for His creation in love. This is the essence of what Christ was
discussing here in this passage. It has application in all the described areas
of diversity, but its root is all unified, wrapped up in the commands “love God
and love others.” This is the only way to “be perfect,” as our Heavenly Father
is perfect (Matthew 5:17-48).
-*Application*
When we understand the true meaning of the Law and how it is applied to us for
a redemptive purpose with a Savior to cover our transgressions, we can begin to
walk free in God’s perfection and be holy even as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2,
Matthew 5:48).
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