You can’t grow a plant on rocks. You first plant a seed in good soil and nurture it till it grows and becomes a tree.
Same thing applies when it comes to knowing – living with God. Man may plant a seed but only God grows it.
Jesus first words in his most famous sermon called “Sermon on the Mount” – Matthew 5,6,7 as well as Luke 6:20-49 tells us what good soil looks like.
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
- Poor in spirit – Recognize they need God
- Those who mourn – They have a soul longing for God
- Meek – Those who do not put themselves before others
- Hunger and thirst for righteousness – Are not satisfied with their own righteousness & acknowledging God as the ultimate source of righteousness
- Merciful – They show mercy to others
- Pure in heart – Pursue purity & uprightness in every area of life
- Peacemakers – Those who promote God messianic message of peace
- Those who are persecuted – Those who value God more than anything else even their own suffering
“God opposes the proudbut shows favor to the humble” James 4:6
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Jesus didn’t start his sermon with new teaching, right after he spoke these words, he followed by saying in Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them”
Jesus didn’t come to bring something new, but rather complete what God had already spoken.
That’s been God’s message all along. Be humble. Seek me and I will not let you down.
It’s a powerful message especially when everything around you promotes “survival of the fittest”.
Jesus was counter culture back when he died & his message today is still against the world’s common sense. Jesus lived humbly & chose to be that way all the way to death.
People waste a life time finding other ways but the truth once again can be found in Jesus’s words in John 14:6:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
My prayer for us to live humbly so we can enjoy God’s favor. Happy Thanksgiving!
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