Sermon on the Mount; the 1st blessing:
Matt 5 v2: And opening His mouth He (Jesus) began to teach them, saying,
v3: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
See also Luke 6v20, parallel to Matt 5v3.
People came to hear Him and for healing - Luke 6vv17-19. There was the desire of discipleship. They have not yet come to repent of the evil things they have committed.
v2 (alao parallel to Luke 6v20) speaks clearly that this is a teaching of Christ regardless of His physical and spiritual state.
All people who listen to Him are regarded as His disciples. So there were many.
He did not waste time for preparation before speaking to the multitude.
He was not just speaking to all sorts of people who came to Him. He assumed a teaching position and taught them. Those who were there were willing to be taught.
Those who were not willing to be there were passers-by. They have no share in the interaction.There is no record/mentioning of any resistence or complain against His teaching. Nobody felt out done with/by.
Christ was not teaching some sort of childish lessons inferior to other philosophy.
He was teaching something profound, and call for much consideration of the listeners. To be with God. Or to be without.
What would you choose?
The kingdom of heaven is the kingdom (the way) the lifestyle of/from above.
It is not some kind of man-made daily living. It does not resemble common daily living.It calls for sacrifice, following, perseverance, faith, hope and trust. Trusting in the provision of God. having faith that it will be so. Being convinced that God will truly bring to pass what He revealed earlier. Able to withstand the wait, and continue in His commission and work.
The kingdom of heaven relates to the rules of heaven. The citizens of the kingdom must, of course, obey the rules of this kingdom.
As Jesus, the Son is the way, and the Word, the kingdom also represent Jesus the Christ, being from/of the above.
The sermon on the mount is not some sort of vague ideas that people may pick and choose to suite their liking; and then claim to have followed, liked or disliked the teaching. It is a series of inter-related teaching of Christ concerning the kingdom of heaven.
As a passport to heaven, it is not a set of regulation that anyone can cut and paste. It is integral and must be followed indiscriminatly for receiving the totality of Christ.
It is not the proud in spirit that is blessed. Not the victorious ones. Not the high spirited. Not the already successful in life. But those who rely on Him for all provision.
This reflects the spirit of Johovah-Jireh expressed by Abraham. That the Lord almighty will see to all necessary provision. Man just live acording to His will and planning and provision, which is by themselves full of care and sufficiency.
So, heaven is taking in those who rely on God/Christ for all necessary provision. The rules of heaven are that of faith in God for everything. Trusting not in the sufficiency of the SELF.
It is about living out for God.
For in Christ is gain. To live is Christ, and to die [by His Will] is gain.God came to find His lost sheep. Sheep being lost are poor in spirit. They are looking for help, leadership, safety for life.
And Christ came so that they will be gathered into the fold (metaphorically speaking - the kingdom of heaven). And the lost sheep who return or enter the gate (Metaphorically - Christ Jesus) into heaven have their greatest needs fulfilled. They have come home. They are under protection.Outside the gate are all those who trust in their own sufficiency; and have to face the elements away from the protection and sustenance of God. They have not entered the kingdom, and are naturally outsiders.
What gain has pride and high-spirits achieved, but difficulties, lack of God, lack of shelter and care, and away from union with God.
Repentance is comfort. It is comfort returning to the shepherd and the sheepfold. It is comfort to come back to shelter and protection/care.
What comfort is there without repentance? Is it really too difficult to consider the situation and repent?What satisfaction is there away from God/Christ?
Where would you like to belong?
Who do you want to come to?
Who is beside you?
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