By GFI board member, Randy Stahmer
In Chapter 4 of the book of Matthew, Jesus is tempted by Satan after fasting for forty days and nights. Can you imagine fasting for so long and how weak we mere humans would be. If we are honest, we would give anything for a crumb of bread to ease the discomfort and endure such extreme distress. Jesus, being the Son of God, and one with God, is Satan’s utmost opponent and foe. The devil would do anything to wrest power from this “man”. But, of course, this is not to be. Jesus is not just man, but God. And while, as man, he feels what mortal man can feel, He is without sin and blemish. The devil left Him and the angels came and attended him.
This is the beginning of Jesus’s ministry. He begins to choose his disciples. Little do they know what the cost might be for following this Jesus. But, I believe, they are led by the Spirt of God to follow. Jesus begins teaching in the synagogues, preaching a message of repentance and good news of the coming kingdom. He heals the sick and demon possessed. Large crowds from the region of Galilee, Decapolis (a league of free cities east of Galilee), Jerusalem, Judea and Jordan followed Jesus. When Jesus saw the crowds he went up the hillside, sat down and began to teach:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
At this time in history, many people of the area were descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel). The Jewish people were brought up with long lists of strict rules and regulations taught by the synagogue leaders through the Laws of Moses (and many more). But no one had ever been able to fulfill all of the requirements of the law and obtain righteousness. Not one. Jesus was taking the impossible laws, boiling them down to their simplest essence, and making what seemed impossible; possible. The Kingdom of Heaven was within their grasp. If only.
Jesus shows them (and us) what it would look like so that we might hunger for the freedom His salvation would bring. Hunger as if you had fasted for 40 days and nights. Through Christ’s indwelling Spirit those who were once bound to the deeds of the flesh, and perishing under the burden of the law, would be set free to live in Jesus’s righteousness, as God’s own children.
In verse 20 of Matthew, Chapter 5 it reads, “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven”. Basically, Jesus is saying that we are not going to be good enough on our own merit to enter the kingdom of heaven. What it is saying is that we must become poor in spirit, sorrowful, meek (strong under control), and hungry for truth and life that can only come through a faith and relationship with Jesus, merciful, peace-loving and persecuted to be blessed.
We recently celebrated 250 years of American greatness. America is blessed we say. I’ve heard my friend, Rob, initiate “God Bless America” at every Global Faith Institute gathering. We are blessed and we humbly petition the Lord to continue His hand of favor over our land. God has bestowed upon us much, not that we might wallow in our wealth, but to give honor and glory to the one true God Almighty. Christian, we have not yet faced persecution for our faith in America. But, do not be deceived. The time may come. Will you be ready? Is your faith strong enough to endure?
We commonly say, “God Bless You”, especially after one sneezes. Ancient lore suggests that this practice started in the 6th century during the bubonic plague. People were encouraged to say this because sneezing was a symptom. But, be careful. What does this practice truly mean? I believe it to mean that we step back from the world, take ourselves off of our thrones, and receive the free gift of eternal life that can only come from a faith in Christ and His work.
The Church at Smyrna is described in Revelation, Chapter 2. It says, “I know your afflictions and your poverty – yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life”.
A man named Polycarp was the first Bishop (a disciple of John who wrote the Book of Revelation). Polycarp was 86 years old when he was martyred for his faith in Jesus. He was burned alive and was recorded as saying to his persecutors, “you threaten with fire that burns for an hour then soon is extinguished, for you do not know of the coming judgement and the eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly”. What a brave and God-led soul. I pray that all of us might have the strength of the spirit to stand firm in the face of persecution, endure hardship, be counted among the poor and rejoice in suffering for the sake of Christ and counted worthy and truly blessed as children of God Almighty. Blessed be His Name above all others!