December 9th – Matthew 5:1-16
Spend some time meditating on the blessings. Then, come back and read the commentary, my verse, and my response to God.
- Request God’s help.
- Read Matthew 5:1-16
- Record a verse that stands out to you.
- Respond to God.
Come back and read the commentary when you’re done…
Blessed are you. What a fantastic way to start a sentence. Whether you are poor in spirit, someone who has suffered loss, meek, one who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker, or persecuted because of Jesus, you are blessed. In my experience, God’s tenderness reaches the depths of all the pain, and His intimate touch still heals.
In the crowd, Jesus saw the faces of those He healed and the many faces of those who had yet to be restored. Jesus also saw those who would be persecuted for His name’s sake and called them the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We, too, are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Only Christians, through the Holy Spirit, can create a thirst for Jesus and shine light in the darkness of a fallen and sin-filled world. There is no hope if we lose our saltiness or cover our light. God chooses to use us (broken vessels) to reveal His love for all humanity. Oh, how I want to fulfill this calling!
How have you been able to shine the light of Christ where you are planted?
My Verse: Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (NIV).
My Response: Good deeds are not for our benefit alone. Yes, we will be rewarded in heaven, but that isn’t what should motivate us. No, it’s not the rewards we will lay at His feet, but rather the lavish love Jesus has already demonstrated that compels us to good works. I am no longer my own, even though I have free will. I have been bought with a price, and now I am a bondslave to Christ. May my life be pleasing to Him.
Father, compel me to do good works so You are glorified. Make my life a pleasing aroma that You inhale with great joy. Like Matthew’s Gospel, may I be a neon arrow pointing to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
The Goal: that everyone will praise and look to You, Lord! Help that to be my goal and motive in every public thing. That people will praise You and give You the glory and the honor You so beautiful deserve!
I also loved Marlene’s closing line of her prayer SO much: Like Matthew’s Gospel, may I be a neon arrow pointing to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.