The Beatitudes Are About the Heart. Matthew 5:1-10.

Posted bySteven WalesPosted inGod Uses the Broken and the Loser/God's Mercy/Weak things of this world, Motives/Lord looks on the heartTags:, , , , , , , , , ,

Every culture looks at outward traits.

To be popular as a high school student requires one set of traits. To be popular in medical school requires a different set of traits. To fit in during US Navy SEAL training might require a third set of traits. But in every context, people respect the visible appearance of beauty and strength.

God told Samuel that “God does not see as man sees, for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7.

We like winners and we have no compassion for losers. As Osama Bin Laden said, “When people see a strong horse and a weak horse, by nature they will like the strong horse.”

But God told Samuel to ignore the outward appearance of Jesse’s handsome sons. Nevertheless, he eventually anointed David, the youngest, who was handsome and proved to be an excellent military leader. David satisfied those looking at the outward appearance. But God chose David because he was a man “after God’s own heart” 1 Samuel 13:14.

Jesus opens His first and greatest sermon by talking about HEARTS.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit [not the outwardly victorious]….

Blessed are they that mourn [not the triumphant] ….

Blessed are the meek [as opposed to the raging] ….

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [as opposed to those who give no thought to right and wrong] ….

Blessed are the merciful [in contrast to the ruthless “winners”] ….

Blessed are the pure in heart [not those selfishly scheming] ….

Blessed are the peacemakers [not the warriors]….

Blessed are those persecuted for doing the right things [in contrast to the persecutors]” Matthew 5:1-10.

Jesus opens His first and greatest sermon by talking about HEARTS—but not just any hearts. These are the hearts of the “losers.” These are the people who are NOT popular in high school or in medical school. These will not fit in among Navy SEAL recruits. They might never taste success.

Our world is ruthless with “losers.” We show them no compassion. So how can anyone succeed in such a world?

We hide our pain. We bury traits the world does not welcome. We hide what is in our hearts. We hide that we are sad or gentle or righteous or merciful or pure or peaceful or persecuted. But Jesus says these are the traits that make you BLESSED in the eyes of God. Do you have any of these traits? Would you rather make peace than fight? Would you rather be gentle and merciful? Jesus has more to say about you:

“You are the SALT OF THE EARTH” v.13.

“You are the LIGHT OF THE WORLD” v.14.

Pay attention to your heart. After all, that is what God is interested in. You are not called to be the “strongest horse.”

You are called to be SALT and LIGHT, to bless the people around you with your compassion, gentleness, peace, and mercy.

God, give us hearts like David’s. Show us how to work hard, how to strive and win, but give us the courage to be meek and humble and tenderhearted. Make us more like you.

ΑΩ

Published by Steven Wales

Dad's Daily Devotional began as text messages to my family. I wanted my teenagers to know their father was reading the Bible. But they were at school by then. Initially, I sent them a favorite verse or an insight based on what I read each day. That grew into drafting a devotional readng which I would send them via text. I work as an attorney and an adjunct professor, and recently wrote a book called HOW TO MAKE A'S.

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