Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 6:20-26 "THE BEATITUDES"
Day 72 – Luke 6
Text: Luke 6:20-26
THE BEATITUDES
The word “Beatitude” is another way of speaking of a person as being “blessed”. In the Roman Catholic Church, before a person is canonized, or called a “saint”, he must first be “beatified”. He must first be pronounced as being in the state of being “blessed”. However, in the Biblical use of the word, being blessed by God is not a special conferment of a special status given posthumously. To be “blessed” is to be specially remembered by God, favoured by Him, and honoured too. The word “blessed” is much more than just being “happy”.
A STUDY OF CONTRASTS
In Luke’s presentation of “The Beatitudes”, he offers an important contrast. That “The Beatitudes” were meant to be special challenges to the Disciples and Apostles. Let’s take time to study the contrasts that Luke captured in his Gospel narrative.
Sometimes, contrasts rather than comparison bring out the meaning of an intended lesson lots more effectively. The lessons Jesus sought to impart to the crowd of Disciples were things that He knew would make them outstanding followers. These lessons were hard, but they must be learned nevertheless.
THE FIRST SET OF CONTRASTS
“Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” Luke 6:20
“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.” Luke 6:24
The words of the Lord Jesus must have been startling, to say the least! What could He mean when he spoke about the state of being blessed with the Kingdom of God, as a result of being poor?
The words become a little clearer, when a contrast is offered. The poverty that Jesus spoke about was a special state that a disciple must be prepared to enter into, if he truly understands the value of the Kingdom of God.
The Disciples of the Lord Jesus had to give up something in order to follow Him. Some had to give up their fishing profession. Others like Matthew probably had to give up considerable wealth. They all had to experience poverty. They had to depend on the kindness of other believers who would take them in for a meal, or to house them for a night. It must have been a very humbling experience for all of them. Nevertheless, they persevered. They pressed on in their determination to be faithful and true disciples of Jesus.
They were blessed indeed. Did they realize that? Did they know what they had obtained? Did they know that they had been blessed with the Kingdom of God? The price of poverty, of giving up this world’s comforts in order to follow Jesus is surely insignificant to obtain the Kingdom of God.
There were others who did not become Disciples of Jesus. They must have seen the lifestyle of the Disciples of Jesus. They were not prepared to give up the comforts of life to follow Jesus.
Were they not better off than the Disciples? They had plenty. They had all the comforts of life. They were “rich” (Luke 6:24). However, Jesus knew that these riches were only material and ephemeral. These riches do not last. They fade away all too quickly. What are physical, material comforts compared to obtaining the Kingdom of God? “Woe” is their lot in life, in the ultimate analysis. Misery would be their lot in time to come, if one were to live only for material comfort!
HOW WOULD YOU ESTEEM THE WORTH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Many today chase after material wealth! Many can even justify their pursuit of wealth, at the expense of their spiritual well-being! The world and all that it offers seems too attractive to pass up.
The challenge to become Disciples of the Lord Jesus, and where necessary sacrifice the material things of life seems to go unheeded today. Nevertheless, it is true what Jesus said. “Blessed are you poor…” There are those who are prepared to choose a poorer lifestyle that they may have more time to seek the Lord and to serve Him. They are blessed indeed.
Jesus was not talking about being poor, as a result of being lazy or indolent. There is no blessing in being poor as a result of human laziness. To be lazy is an affront to God. There can be no special blessing to those who become poor as a result of their irresponsible behaviour.
However, there are times when the Disciple has to choose between making an extra dollar and giving time to grow his faith. The disciple is at the crossroads. He must choose whether he wants to pursue the wealth offered by the world, or that which God offers – His kingdom.
We are reminded of the second temptation offered by the Devil to Jesus. He offered the glories of the kingdoms of the world to Jesus! Without hesitation, Jesus rejected that offer outright! The material riches of this world, that is, the kingdoms of this world cannot be compared with the Kingdom of God!
NOT MINDING POVERTY AT ALL!
When Jesus spoke about poverty, He spoke out of His own personal experience. All His life, He had known poverty! There is no indignity in being poor! He was born into a poor family. He had to eke out a living as the son of a Carpenter. He never had much of this world’s riches. Yet, who would say that He was really poor? He was rich beyond compare because He had the Kingdom of God. Let us be challenged to embrace discipleship that we may be better able to appreciate what it means to have the Kingdom of God. “Blessed are you poor… But Woe to you who are rich…” Luke 6:20,24.