Yesterday we began a study of Matthew; specifically, the "Sermon on the Mount". So, when I came across this picture, frankly, I couldn't resist doing a post on the topic. Now, I have done posts on this selection of Scripture before, but somehow today's picture put a bit of a spin on how I normally approach this topic. But, I am getting ahead of myself; now would be a good time to read what Jesus said...
Matthew Chapter 5
3 "“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle,
for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Everyone wants to be happy!!! Well, to be fair, not quite everyone. I have known a few people that reveled in their unhappiness, but thankfully, only a very few. For most people, the first few verses are no problem; but, when you read verses ten and following, it strikes a discordant note for some. That is because they did not understand the statements before ten. This discourse is about being a follower of God by HIS RULES. Happiness is not a warm, fuzzy experience of pleasure, it is a state of obedience to the will of heaven. And that makes all the difference in the world!!! Christians do not necessarily have a pleasant life; they have a life of doing God's will and that causes problems at times. But, God is there, so no matter what happens there is a wonderful reward at the end of it all. One more thing.... do NOT expect others to necessarily be happy about your happiness (with God). There is the sort of person who enjoys wrecking the happiness of others, remember? Look at the picture again. Notice that someone has shot holes in the sign!!!! Relax, the sign has done its work anyway; God awaits!!!!!!