THIRD BEATITUDE:  Meek  Matthew 5:5

This post covers what Jesus said about the meek in the third beatitude.

‘Meek’ discusses how this beatitude should affect our lives, Matthew 5:5. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Understanding this beatitude requires an understanding of meek and the phrase, inherit the earth. Many consider meek to denote weakness. Instead, the Bible shows meekness differently.

Consider Moses. Early in his life he was strong enough to kill an Egyptian. At eighty years of age, he confronted Pharoah with the message, let the Israelites go. That took great courage. Consider his courage when later, his sister Miriam and brother Aaron rebelled at his leadership. The meekness of Moses held back retaliation, Numbers 12:3. “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth.”

God punished Miriam by leprosy for seven days for her rebellion against Moses, God’s chosen leader.

Consider David. He was so meek that he refused to kill Saul, the lord’s anointed king, even though Saul was trying to kill him. After his sin with Bathsheba, David wrote the following that admits his sin and shows his meekness, Psalm 51:1-3. “Have mercy on me…according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!”

Jesus illustrates the apex in meekness. Although He could call for angels to keep Him from the cross, He meekly offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice.

So, Moses, David, and Jesus exhibit strength under  control, the definition of meekness.

He commanded meekness, Matthew 11:29. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,” 

To follow Jesus, we should strive to show meekness as a characteristic in our lives.

The reward for meekness occurs when we inherit the earth, aptly described in 2 Peter 3:13. “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” Heaven, then, provides the reward for God’s meek children.

So, what did we learn?

1.God will bless the meek.

2.The meek will inherit heaven, the new earth.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#inheritNewEarth #examplesMeeknessMosesDavidJesus

Jesus Weeps   Luke 19:41-48

This post concerns Jesus weeping over Jerusalem.

‘Jesus Weeps’ discusses two things that occurred just before His crucifixion. Firstly, He viewed Jerusalem, Luke 19:41-42. “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!”

He could see what others could not. He knew and had forecasted that the Jews, would not accept Him as the Messiah. Jerusalem faced a tragic future. The Romans would come, kill many, destroy the temple, and the city. Jesus’ public declaration that He was the Messiah signified their time of visitation. But the leaders did not acknowledge Him. God had sent His Son. Yet, they did not pay proper attention.

A second manifestation of Jesus’ unhappiness occurred in the city, Luke 19:45-46. “And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying…“It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”

In this cleansing, He drove them out with a quote from Is. 56:7, namely, that the temple should be a place for prayer and not business. In doing so, He fulfilled Mal. 3:1. “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple;”

This weeping and cleansing was a continuing public demonstration by Jesus that He was the Messiah.

As He taught in the temple, the people hung on His words. Yet, He made no effort to form a government or begin an earthly kingdom. This should have been a strong sign to the city leadership.

Luke reports here for the first time that the chief priests and scribes, along with the main men of the city, were trying to find a way to destroy Him. But due to the favor of Jesus’ audience, they failed.

So, what did we learn?

1.Jesus wept as He recognized what would happen to Jerusalem.

2.He was unhappy and cleansed the temple of buying and selling.

3.The people were pleased to hear Him.

4.The Jewish leaders were trying to destroy him.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#JerusalemFuture #cleanseTemple #leadersDestroyJesus

THE SECOND BEATITUDE: Mourn    Matthew 5:4

This post concerns those that mourn or grieve because of their sins.

‘Mourn’ discusses the second beatitude and what it means. Jesus spoke this beatitude, Matthew 5:4. “Blessed … those who mourn, for they …comforted.” Two words require explanation—mourn and comforted.

Grieving arises during mourning. Several times in the Old Testament, God notes grieving over sin, Ezekiel 9:4. “…put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” Thus, grieving or feeling bad concerns groaning over sins.

God desires an attitude of mourning that changes our mind, Isaiah 66:2. “But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”

In the New Testament, proper grief leads to repentance, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10. “As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

God has promised to forgive us if our mourning and repentance lead us to confession, 1 John 1:8-9. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth…not in us. If we confess our sins, he… faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Thus, mourning leads to the blessing of forgiveness and an eternal home where mourning and crying will cease, Revelation 21:4. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  Thus, we will be comforted in heaven in eternity.

So, what did we learn?

1.God blesses those who mourn about their sins.

2.Mourning should lead to repentance and confession.

3.Proper mourning will lead us to heaven.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#GodBlessesMourningOverSins #GodBlessesMourningHeaven

Poor in Spirit   Matthew 5:1-3

This post concerns the first of the beatitudes given by Jesus.

‘Poor in Spirit’ discusses what this beatitude means. Jesus taught the crowds the gospel. Then, He explained further, Matthew 5:3. “And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed… the poor in spirit, for theirs… the kingdom of heaven.” In summary, the foundation of pleasing Jesus requires one to mentally recognize one’s poverty before God—to have a poverty-stricken heart.

The Apostle Paul guides our thinking about ourselves, Romans 12:3. “…I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.” Thus, dwelling on our mental, destitute condition shows our great dependence on God for eternal salvation.

So, our destitute mental condition involves thinking of ourselves as a person dependent on God because we have nothing to offer to direct our lives. We need instructions from God and His blessings to receive a place in the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus explained about the kingdom of heaven in several ways in Matthew 13. For example, in verse 34, He said the kingdom compared favorably to a man sowing good seed in his field. Then, an enemy came and sowed weeds. When it was discovered, he said leave the seeds in the field, they will be separated and burned at harvest.

His disciples asked for a deeper understanding. Jesus explained, Matthew 13:37-39. “He answered, “The one who sows the good seed … the Son of Man. The field…the world, and the good seed … the sons of the kingdom. The weeds… the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them … the devil. The harvest…the end of the age, and the reapers… angels. Thus, the kingdom of heaven involves obedient children of God with receptive hearts.

So, what did we learn?

1.Those with hearts longing for the truth will receive a place in the kingdom of heaven.

2.The obedient children of God with the right attitude make up the kingdom of heaven.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#kingdomHeaven #poverty-strickenHearts

Triumphal Entry   Luke 19:28-40

This post focuses on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion.

‘Triumphal Entry’ discusses what Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem meant.

In the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus orchestrated it, Luke 19:29-32. “When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany… he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. So, those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them.”  

The disciples draped their cloaks on the colt and sat Jesus on it. They dropped their cloaks on the road before Him to signify that He was a King.

At the top of the Mount of Olives, the multitude began to rejoice and praise God for His miracles. In their praise, they said He was a King who was coming in the name of the Lord and added Peace in heaven and glory in the highest, like at His birth by the angels. He rode a donkey, a symbol of a King and peace.

This entry fulfills Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly…Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you…humble and mounted on a donkey…”

Jesus now intends for the public to think of Him as the Messiah, not like earlier when the twelve were told not to tell anyone. In this way, Jesus openly proclaims; I am the Messiah-King of the Old Testament prophets. Jesus intentionally gives the Jewish people and their leaders one last chance to accept Him.

They had seen His miracles, heard His preaching, and could compare Him to the prophecies of the prophets long ago. As with Israel when God’s patience ended and He sent them into captivity, God would not wait forever for this generation of Jews to accept the Messiah.

Now was the time to proclaim Him King.

So, what did we learn?

1.Jesus wants the public to think of Him as the Messiah of prophecy.

2.His entry sets up a time of decision for the people and their leaders.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#kingProphecy #ridingDonkey #publicAnnouncementJesusKing

 

 

Blessed   Matthew 5:1-11

This post concerns the word blessed in the beatitudes given by Jesus.

‘Blessed’ discusses the meaning of this word. Before this sermon, Jesus preached about the coming of the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 4:23. “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.”  This caused large crowds to assemble.

Then, He preached this sermon, Matthew 5:1-3. “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed… the poor in spirit, for theirs… the kingdom of heaven.” Seven more of these beatitudes followed, all preceded by the word blessed.

Some people think that blessed in these beatitudes means ‘happy’ is the person who practices these principles. However, this interpretation does not fit the meaning. The psalms help to clarify the use of blessed.

Consider Psalms 1:1-2. “Blessed… the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight… in the law of the LORD, and on his law, he meditates day and night.”  In this psalm, God blesses the one who obediently lives by and dwells on His law.

Consider Psalms 2:12. “Blessed… all who take refuge in him.”  God cares for and blesses those who look to Him for refuge.

James 1:25 also shows the meaning of blessed, “…but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

Thus, blessed means God will bless those who live as He directs. Adopting these beatitudes into our lives will provide blessings from God.

So, what did we learn?

1.The word blessed means that God will bless obedient servants.

2.Following these beatitudes will grant us blessings from God.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#blessedMeansGodBlesses #liveAsGodDirects

Nahum    Nahum 1:1-3; 2:14

This post encompasses a lesson learned from the book of Nahum.

This book describes the prophecy about the downfall of Nineveh.

This post discusses a lesson learned from the book. Assyria conquered everyone in about 900 B.C. This powerful kingdom ruled from its capital city of Nineveh until 612 B.C. when Babyon defeated it in the battle of Carchemish. God inspired Nahum to write a prophecy about its fall, Nahum 1:1-3 and 2:14. “An oracle concerning Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum of Elkosh. God’s Wrath Against Nineveh The LORD…a jealous and avenging God; the LORD…avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The LORD…slow to anger and great in power, and the LORD will by no means clear the guilty…

…The LORD has given commandment about you: “No more shall your name…perpetuated; from the house of your gods, I will cut off the carved image and the metal image. I will make your grave, for you…vile.”

Finally, this clear prophecy about the end of this almost 300-year-old dynasty, happened. Thus, what God says will occur, always happens.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, speaking to the Athenians, prophesied the end of all time, Acts 17:30-31. “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

This inspired apostle says that a judgment day will occur because God has prophesied it. Everyone will be judged. Therefore, obeying God’s directions for forgiveness of sins should arise as a priority in our lives. The Apostle Peter gave instructions to believing Jews, Acts 2:38. “Repent and… baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins…”

Therefore, Peter provides the way to prepare for this prophesied day.

So, what did we learn?

1.When God makes a prophecy, it will come true.

2.We need to believe, repent, and be baptized for remission of sins to prepare for the judgment day.

3.Judgment by Jesus will happen.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#prophecyGod #judgmentDay #believeRepentBaptizedRemissionsSins

Ten Minas   Luke 19:11-27

This  post concerns a parable Jesus taught to correct a misunderstanding about when the kingdom would come.

‘Ten Minas’ discusses what this parable means.

Jesus perceived that everyone thought He would soon establish an earthly kingdom. To point out this error Jesus told a parable, Luke 19:12-13. “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’

Two groups deserve mentioning: his citizens and his servants. Before going, he gave a mina, a piece of money equal to three months wages, to each of ten servants with the instruction to earn more. After he left, his citizens sent a delegation to say that they did not want him to reign over them.

A similar event had occurred earlier. The Jews had objected to Caesar about Archelaus as their ruler, but Ceasar appointed him anyway.

The nobleman received the kingdom and returned. Once back, he called his servants to account for the money he’d given them. Two of the servants had increased the amount of money they’d received and received a big reward.

But, one servant had simply stored the mina. He was heavily criticized. The servant with ten minas received the one mina. The other servants objected and felt that the man with ten minas had enough. Then the nobleman issued his rule, Luke 19:26. “…to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has …taken away.”

Then, the complaining citizens experienced destruction.

A discerning listener would have understood that the parable applied to the coming kingdom of Jesus:

1.Some time would pass before establishment of the kingdom.

2.The wishes of people do not determine who rules God’s kingdom.

3.Jesus will rule the kingdom, and severe punishment will await those who oppose His rulership.

4.Before the master returns, his disciples should work to expand the kingdom.

So, what did we learn?

1.Time would pass before the kingdom came.

2.Jesus remains in control of the coming kingdom.

3.Destruction will await His enemies.

4.His disciples should work for the Master.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#kingdomInTheFuture #peopleDoNotSayWhoWillRule #heWhoHasGetsMore

 

Teaching Children Good Language    Matthew 12:34-37

This post stresses teaching children to use good language.

Proper speech involves teaching what the Bible says about what is good or bad.

Adults know about bad language. Children do not and need teaching.

Firstly, children need a good example. Children duplicate what they hear. Therefore, the first rule for teaching children about good language involves cleaning up our language, Ephesians 4: 29. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,”

Secondly, when the child is old enough to understand, teaching proper language involves teaching children to respect God and His word. This teaching can start exceedingly early in life. An excellent technique involves having a ‘Bible Story Hour’ during the day or before bedtime. At an early age, stories such as David and Goliath will focus the child on the importance of God and the Bible as a guide.

Timothy stands as an example, 2 Timothy 1:5. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” Faith and respect for God’s word were passed down to Timothy from his mother and grandmother. Once the child learns to respect God and His word, then Bible verses about bad language can impress the young mind with the seriousness of clean language.

Finally, Jesus gave the key for speaking acceptably, Matthew 12:34-37. “… out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil… on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” So, how we speak reflects the thoughts of our hearts and those of our children.

In addition, the parent needs to constantly monitor what the child hears from social media and television and teach against bad language.

So, what did we learn?

1.Parents should set an example by the language they use.

2.Teaching a respect for God and His word provides the base for good speech.

3.Jesus taught that proper speech comes from what resides in the mind.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

#cursing #swearing #cleanParent’sLanguage