Wednesday's SOAP - Matthew 5:1-10

1 One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, 2 and he began to teach them.

   3 “God blesses those who are poor

            and realize their need for him,

       for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

    4 God blesses those who mourn,

      for they will be comforted.

    5 God blesses those who are humble,

      for they will inherit the whole earth.

    6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

      for they will be satisfied.

    7 God blesses those who are merciful,

      for they will be shown mercy.

    8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

      for they will see God.

    9 God blesses those who work for peace,

      for they will be called the children of God.

   10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

S(cripture) - "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."

O(bservation) - Jesus’ first sermon – setting the tone for his ministry – painting a picture of the Kingdom that is the antithesis of pride, ego, power, wealth.  In Jesus day, the thought was if people had money, power, prestige, position, then this was a sign of God’s blessing.  Jesus said you could have all these things in this world and miss out on the Kingdom blessing.

A(pplication)  – Am I chasing the things of this world?  In a world filled with violence and a completely different set of values, what would it look like for me to go against the flow?  Do I care more about what people think than living out Your kingdom – even to the point of persecution for doing right?  It’s lonely living a kingdom life. God blesses those who work for peace – peacemakers. Not peacekeepers. Do I remain silent in the midst of injustice?

P(prayer) – Abba, Help me live out your kingdom principles.  I want your true blessing – a Kingdom blessing, not a temporal one.  Help me to find others who want to walk this Kingdom road – to live together as Kingdom people.  Give me courage to speak your truth in a world of MSNBC and FoxNews.  And may I be an agent of peace in a world filled with violence.  In the name of Jesus, I ask,  Amen.