Blessed.  This week, our scripture lessons invite us to think carefully about the blessings and requirements (Matthew and Micah) of discipleship.  We tend to think of those who are blessed as those who are successful, happy, wealthy.   But, Jesus, as always has other ideas.  The Message puts it this way,

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.

Jesus invites us to see that God is present in every moment, and that in God’s presence, and working God’s purposes, we’re blessed.  The beatitudes aren’t empty cliched platitudes.  They’re a promise, and a blessing in an of themselves.    “You are blessed,” says Jesus.   But being blessed doesn’t mean we can just bask in self-righteous glory.  Micah reminds us to “Do justice.  Love Kindness.  And Walk humbly with our God.”  And as we do, we’ll bless others, and find ourselves blessed.

I’ll see you on Sunday,

Pastor Heather

Filed under: Weekly Invitations by Pastor Heather