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. Again this week, in Luke 6:17-26, Jesus is teaching what is truly important.
He cares about what we think, what we say, what we do, and how we treat others. Above all, however, He is concerned about whether or not we are following Him. Praying Psalm 19:13-14 daily will help to keep this desire first in your heart. Often we can be drawn to and desire the approvals, praises, rewards, and blessings that this world has to offer. We may receive the blessings of this life. It feels good to be successful, have our needs met, and have our heart's desires fulfilled. In our human condition, we can be tempted to seek the approval of others. Jesus will not be impressed with how much you've achieved, how popular we are, or how many followers we have on social media. He is only interested in whether or not you are following Him. It's impossible to follow someone we've never met. It's impossible to obey someone who's heart we don't truly know. We can only know him by spending time reading His Word and actively seeking Him.
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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 |