We're starting a series of sermons at the church I attend on the Beatitudes.
I appreciate the thought the pastor had in his introductory sermon that
focused on who Jesus calls the blessed.
In the Old Testament, people were thought to be blessed according to how
they prospered (by outward appearance). And lack (in any form) was seen
as God's displeasure. Prosperity could be worn like a badge of perfect law-
keeping.
However, under the New Covenant, 'prosperity' has nothing to do with who
the truly blessed are. The weak, poor, and lacking can be truly rich in the life
Jesus supplies in these outward situations.
I appreciate the thought the pastor had in his introductory sermon that
focused on who Jesus calls the blessed.
In the Old Testament, people were thought to be blessed according to how
they prospered (by outward appearance). And lack (in any form) was seen
as God's displeasure. Prosperity could be worn like a badge of perfect law-
keeping.
However, under the New Covenant, 'prosperity' has nothing to do with who
the truly blessed are. The weak, poor, and lacking can be truly rich in the life
Jesus supplies in these outward situations.