Wisdom - More Precious than Rubies
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You’re Blessed
Luke 6:17-26 The Message 17-21 Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke: You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all. God’s kingdom is there for the finding. You’re blessed when you’re ravenously hungry. Then you’re ready for the Messianic meal. You’re blessed when the tears flow freely. Joy comes with the morning. 22-23 “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don’t like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this. Give Away Your Life 24 But it’s trouble ahead if you think you have it made. What you have is all you’ll ever get. 25 And it’s trouble ahead if you’re satisfied with yourself. Your self will not satisfy you for long. And it’s trouble ahead if you think life’s all fun and games. There’s suffering to be met, and you’re going to meet it. 26 “There’s trouble ahead when you live only for the approval of others, saying what flatters them, doing what indulges them. Popularity contests are not truth contests—look how many scoundrel preachers were approved by your ancestors! Your task is to be true, not popular.
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 Young people have long been accused of thinking they "know it all." Despite their lack of experience and wisdom, they believe they are wise because they have consumed information and have received an education. Their education, however, is currently facing significant challenges.
They now find themselves in environments that promote defensiveness and fear. Comradery and relationships are restricted by "social distancing requirements." Education is not exclusive to textbook knowledge memorized for mid-term exams. Young people are not the only ones struggling with education these days. By teaching the youth Sunday School lesson, I can see we are suffering today from past generations who have never learned the simplistic lessons of The Beatitudes - or met the Teacher who taught them. We are "tested" on these lessons daily. Matthew 5: 3-12 The Message Arriving at a quiet place, He sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. 4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. 5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. 6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat. 7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for. 8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. 9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family. 10 "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom. 11-12 "Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. How much better would our world be if young and old would learn these lessons that are counter to our me-first culture? Perhaps it's time for many to go back to "school," and get the education missed in early years. Seek out a local church, faithful to Biblical teaching. Not sure where to go? You're welcome to join the students at the Atwater Nazarene Church. - We would be happy to see new "attendees." |
AuthorMelinda teaches the youth Sunday School class. The lessons are from Foundry Publishing and are beneficial for young and old alike. This page will be a review of the weekly lesson. ArchivesCategories |
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