Matthew 5:12a ESV Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
NOTE: The following devotional is transcribed from THE APPLAUSE OF HEAVEN, Sept. 26, Morning, by Max Lucado (a favorite, encouraging Christian author).
In the sermon on the mount, … what Jesus promises is not a gimmick to give you goose bumps nor a mental attitude that has to be pumped up at pep rallies. No, Matthew 5 describes God’s radical reconstruction of the heart.
Observe the sequence.
- First, we recognize we are in need (we’re poor in spirit).
- Next, we repent of our self-sufficiency (we mourn).
- We quit calling the shots and surrender control to God (we’re meek).
- So grateful are we for his presence that we yearn for more of him (we hunger & thirst).
- As we grow closer to him, we become more like him. We forgive others. (we’re merciful).
- We change our outlook (we’re pure in heart).
- We love others (we’re peacemakers).
- We endure injustice (we’re persecuted).
It’s no casual shift of attitude. It is a demolition of the old structure and a creation of the new. The more radical the change, the greater the joy. And it’s worth every effort, for this is the joy of God.
[As I stated, this timely devotional was written by Max Ludaco.]
Do not be discouraged, beloved believer, if you have just come to Christ or have reached only an early step in your growth in the Lord. We are a “CHRISTIAN UNDER RE-CONSTRUCTION.”
Rejoice, and be glad.
For further study of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, visit the series from our earlier posts.
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