Most people who read this know I like to read different translations of the Bible. Often, there are times I don't understand what I've read in the Bible. Going to different translations of Scripture gives me understanding to a particular passage that I didn't understand earlier. This happened to me this weekend in Matthew 5. Most people refer to this passage of Scripture as The Beatitudes.
As I read The Beatitudes out of The Message, the truth of what Christ said that day struck me. Never before had this passage spoken to me in such a powerful way. For the first time, I felt like Matthew 5 was written just for me. So for the next several weeks, I would like to share with you what God spoke to me through His Word.
As I read The Beatitudes out of The Message, the truth of what Christ said that day struck me. Never before had this passage spoken to me in such a powerful way. For the first time, I felt like Matthew 5 was written just for me. So for the next several weeks, I would like to share with you what God spoke to me through His Word.
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule." (Matthew 5:3). Usually, the common translation of this verse says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
I'll be honest. I've never understood what is meant by being poor in spirit, despite all the sermons that are preached on this passage. Yet I think everyone who reads this can say they know what it means to be at the end of their rope. Be it sickness, loss of job, no money, a rebellious child, or mounting stress we all have had those points in our lives when we feel that we have nothing left to give and can't take much more.
None of us like being at the end our rope. It means we have no control over the situation, something that scares most of us. It's humbling to be at the end of our ropes, because we don't have the answers. We don't know how to solve the problem. But when we come to this point in our lives, God says it's a good thing. It means we've finally come to a place when we know we can't keep going without God's help. We cry out to God for His mercy and grace. In our desperate need, we look to Him and allow Him to take control of our lives and our situations. I think that is why Christ said we are blessed when we are at the end of our rope. It opens the door for us to see God in a powerful and mighty way. I don't know about you, but I could use more of God in my life.
So whatever challenges you find yourself facing at this moment in time, maybe it's time to admit you don't have the answer to the problem. Come to the end of your rope. It's there we will be blessed and open the door for God to reveal Himself.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." ~ Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
(c) July 27, 2011
I'll be honest. I've never understood what is meant by being poor in spirit, despite all the sermons that are preached on this passage. Yet I think everyone who reads this can say they know what it means to be at the end of their rope. Be it sickness, loss of job, no money, a rebellious child, or mounting stress we all have had those points in our lives when we feel that we have nothing left to give and can't take much more.
None of us like being at the end our rope. It means we have no control over the situation, something that scares most of us. It's humbling to be at the end of our ropes, because we don't have the answers. We don't know how to solve the problem. But when we come to this point in our lives, God says it's a good thing. It means we've finally come to a place when we know we can't keep going without God's help. We cry out to God for His mercy and grace. In our desperate need, we look to Him and allow Him to take control of our lives and our situations. I think that is why Christ said we are blessed when we are at the end of our rope. It opens the door for us to see God in a powerful and mighty way. I don't know about you, but I could use more of God in my life.
So whatever challenges you find yourself facing at this moment in time, maybe it's time to admit you don't have the answer to the problem. Come to the end of your rope. It's there we will be blessed and open the door for God to reveal Himself.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." ~ Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
(c) July 27, 2011
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