Happy Mother’s Day to all who are moms! We appreciate all
you have done and continue to do for your children and in some instances, your
grandchildren. We take this time to thank our moms, and those who have played a
significant mothering role in our lives, for their selfless dedication and
devotion, their advice and counsel, their nurturing and provision for our
needs, and most of all for their love.
This past week I have been reflecting on two well-known
passages of Scripture in Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 6:20-26. They are commonly
referred to as “The Beatitudes” that Christ presented to the crowds who had
gathered on a mountain to listen. Often we think of these character traits as
they might apply to someone else we may know or be aware of, but I was
challenged through something I was reading to really take time and consciously
meditate on the seriousness of what Christ was saying – to me personally! [i] With Mother’s Day
approaching, I decided to think of them in terms of my role as a mother, wife,
aunt, mentor, and friend. They are indeed characteristics that should be
evident in my life, especially as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven…
While this attribute is most often applied to those who
are without material or financial means, I believe Jesus meant for us to adopt
this character trait in our spiritual relationship toward Him. How dependent am
I upon God to meet my every need? Do I really see how destitute I would be were
it not for His sacrificial love for me? When I go through suffering, how
willing am I to rely on God’s all-sufficiency to carry me through?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be
comforted…
I especially love how Luke phrases Jesus’ words, “Blessed
are you who weep now, for you will laugh.”
This action can describe any kind of mourning in general whether it be
grieving over a loss or tragedy, lamenting over our own spiritual condition, or
feeling anguish over the results of evil in the world. Is there any unconfessed
sin in my life today, Lord? Do I truly feel sorrow over what I said to that
person? How deeply do I care and pray for the family whose daughter’s murderer
was convicted just two nights ago?
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the
earth…
The person with this character is gentle, mild, patient,
and long-suffering. It is closely linked with humility and grace and a spirit
which is tempered. I once heard a minister describe it as, “strength held
back”. I like that - because this temperament was also present in Jesus and He
had all the resources of His heavenly Father at hand which he could have
employed at any time. However, many times He chose to relinquish those powers
and yield to the will of God’s plan for redemption. I’m so glad He did! But I
am to follow Christ’s example. How willing am I to submit to God’s plan for my
life when I can’t understand what He is doing? When was the last time I quietly
listened to someone’s criticism and rebuke knowing God heard and would be more
honoured by my silence than an angry or bitter retort? When would my gentleness
foster healing?
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after
righteousness, for they will be filled (satisfied)…
I remember when my son was young and outdoors playing
with his friends how they would come in gasping for something cold to drink and
famished for something to fill their tummies. In his teen years, he and a
friend coined the phrase, “I’m sufficiently suffoncified” to describe their satisfaction.
This yearning to be filled is a characterization that should define a true
believer in Christ. Our desire to daily learn more of God and His Word as
described in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul
pants for you, O God.”
During the past few months, and especially during a few
weeks in March-April leading up to two speaking engagements, I have thoroughly
enjoyed digging into God’s Word and learning all I could! My soul was
being saturated and I felt increasingly filled and satisfied. After my second
presentation at our recent ladies’ retreat, I was totally exhausted in every
sense of the word – requiring me to take a complete rest for three weeks – but I
still felt that deep desire to be hungering and thirsting after God even when I
felt too tired to even open my Bible (yes, I’m being very honest). It was
during these times that God kept reminding me of His promises I had relied on,
verses which had become very special to me, and spirit-filled music that spoke
to my heart. God is so faithful to fill and satisfy us when we keep our hearts
tuned to Him!
I invite you to join me next week as I continue my
reflections on these “be-attitudes”.
Until next Sunday,
Kathy
P.S. Hope you enjoy my photos of spring flowers in my garden this year!
[i] Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, Oswald Chambers, 1960, 1995
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