Emasculating the Boy Scouts to satisfy the destruction caused by DEI. The Leftist radicals destroy everything it touches.
We Are Called to be the Light and the Salt of the Earth
We had listened in as Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with an introduction of short sentences called the ‘Beatitudes’ – a blueprint for accessing blessings through one’s behaviors by living a godly life. (See Jesus’ Most Famous Public Address).
Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus begins to teach us how to apply that knowledge:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery].
“You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Mt. 5:13 – 16. AMP
Christ is calling His followers to make a difference in the world, to stay on purpose (be ‘salty’ to bring a pointed clarity / taste to the Word) and to shine that light of Jesus and His Father onto a dark world.
(Note: Up until now, Jesus has called Jehovah His Father. Now He says that God is our Father as well.)
After Jesus’ Ascension to His Father, the Holy Spirit would reveal further Christ revelations about these very things through the Apostle Paul:
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.
Proclaim these things; encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard] you. Ti. 2:11 – 13. CSB
Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. Ti. 3:1, 2. CSB
We are to try our utmost to be living testimonies of God’s goodness, examples of the transformation that is possible for those who walk with Him.
Jesus reads the hearts of some in the crowd who think His appearance and teachings disqualifies the Old Testament. He puts a stop to that right now:
“Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished. So whoever breaks one of the least [important] of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least [important] in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
“For I say to you that unless your righteousness (uprightness, moral essence) is more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Mt. 5:17 – 20. AMP
The Old Testament teachings of Moses and the prophets are completely valid until the second advent of Christ. The last sentence in this Scripture is taking a swipe at the Pharisees and their cohorts who have mutilated Scripture to serve themselves. Without repentance, the doors of heaven will not grant them access.
Jesus is the living Word of God. Thus, it falls within His authority to bring greater clarity to Scripture by ‘evolving’ them into their highest applications. He begins with the 6th of the Ten Commandments:
“You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister[ will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire. So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him to the court, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny. Mt. 5:21 – 26. CSB
Thus, we are held accountable for what feelings we keep in our hearts towards others. Being angry with anyone is not being reconciled; and as followers of Christ, we must be reconciled with everyone (if they are willing), and even then, at least reconciled as best we can in our own hearts:
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Rm. 12:18 CSB
It is so important that Jesus said if you detect any derogatory feelings for anyone at the Temple, that you leave your gifts to God behind, and to go and be reconciled first, before presenting your gifts.
Next, Jesus evolves the 7th Commandment:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who [so much as] looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble and leads you to sin, tear it out and throw it away [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.If your right hand makes you stumble and leads you to sin, cut it off and throw it away [that is, remove yourself from the source of temptation]; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Mt. 5:27 – 30. AMP
Lust is at the heart of the problem. All sin begins in the mind. Jesus is adding extreme examples here to impress the severity of sin in the heart and the importance of curbing this behavior before the sin becomes full-blown.
Likewise, pressing for an unjust divorce also forces adultery upon the recipient:
“You have heard the law that says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce. But I say that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery.” Mt. 5:31, 32. NLT
In Moses’ time, a man could divorce a woman for any reason he came up with – fictitious or not. (‘No-fault’ divorce, as is practiced today). Jesus is adamant, (and again, He is the living Word of God), that the only acceptable reason for divorce is for unrepentant adultery. If the adulterer is repentant, the offended Christian must forgive and work to restore the marriage.
God is very clear about where He stands with divorce:
“For I hate divorce!”[a] says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” Mal. 2:16 NLT
And Jesus puts a period on it:
But from the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother [to establish a home with his wife], and the two shall become one flesh; so that they are no longer two, but [are united as] one flesh. Therefore, what God has united and joined together, man must not separate [by divorce].” Mk. 10:6 – 9. AMP
Jesus shifts to oath-making. In His day, the Pharisees used to promise to do something under an oath which was supposed to give their declaration greater weight. Here, Christ condemns this fault in their personal integrity:
“You have also heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not break your vows; you must carry out the vows you make to the Lord.’ “ But I say, do not make any vows! Do not say, ‘By heaven!’ because heaven is God’s throne. And do not say, ‘By the earth!’ because the earth is his footstool. And do not say, ‘By Jerusalem!’ for Jerusalem is the city of the great King. Do not even say, ‘By my head!’ for you can’t turn one hair white or black. Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.” Mt. 5:33 – 37. NLT
Jesus is always about love. Even when injured by someone, once again He preaches reconciliation over revenge:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth [punishment that fits the offense].’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise]. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender]. And whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” Mt. 5:38 – 42. AMP
Finally, for today, Jesus dovetails this love into His command to love our enemies:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’But I say to you, love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may [show yourselves to] be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on those who are evil and on those who are good, and makes the rain fall on the righteous [those who are morally upright] and the unrighteous [the unrepentant, those who oppose Him]. For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that? And if you greet only your brothers [wishing them God’s blessing and peace], what more [than others] are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles [who do not know the Lord] do that? You, therefore, will be perfect [growing into spiritual maturity both in mind and character, actively integrating godly values into your daily life], as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Mt. 43 – 48. AMP
That is one loving Savior! We’re about halfway through the Sermon on the Mount. Stay tuned!
Goodnight and God bless.
Building Better Americans 172
Crooked politicians from both sides of the aisle siphon money from Social Security for their boondoggle projects, but they never pay it back. The government says it will be seriously underfunded by 2035. It is a losing proposition for young people. There is a far better way to prepare for an invincible investment.
Jesus’ Most Famous Public Address
Last time, we explored Jesus’ reasons for why and how He taught the people in parables. (See What is the Methodology Behind the Parables of Jesus)
Now, we find Christ and His disciples journeying back to Galilee on the Sabbath, whereupon they come upon a grain field. The disciples, being hungry, plucked a few heads of grain to eat.
True to their wicked nature, the Pharisees were skulking in the shadows, following Jesus and His entourage to try to catch them in some blasphemous behavior.[1]
Emboldened by what they witnessed, the Pharisees came out of hiding and approached Jesus with complaints about His disciple’s blasphemous behavior by ‘working’ on the Sabbath (by picking the grain to eat).
(Remember that the Pharisee’s have been twisting Scripture for hundreds of years at this point and adding their own ‘revelations’ to establish their power over the laity. Indeed, none of these additional ‘rules’ are found in the original Hebrew Bible. Some of this ‘Pharisaical blasphemy’ proscribed carrying any ‘burden’, which was divided into such minute quantities that carrying anything, e.g., heads of grain, was prohibited.)
Jesus responds:
Jesus said to them, “Haven’t you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God, and he and his companions broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests are allowed to eat. And haven’t you read in the law of Moses that the priests on duty in the Temple may work on the Sabbath? I tell you, there is one here who is even greater than the Temple! But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!” Mt. 12:3 – 8. NLT[2]
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath.” Mk. 2:27 NLT
(“Men and devils criticize; Christ sympathizes and intercedes.” J.C. Ryle from Daily Readings from All Four Gospels.)
Jesus’ retort against the Pharisee’s views of the Sabbath demonstrated His command over the Sabbath’s true intent by giving examples that shot holes in their ill-begotten logic.
When King David and his army were on the run from King Saul, they stopped at the Tabernacle because they were famished, and they ate what was called the ‘showbread’, which was kept there to symbolize Jehovah’s provisions and was only to be eaten by the priests. They were not condemned for their actions in the Scriptures.
Christ also pointed out that the Tabernacle priests worked within it on the Sabbath, and neither were they blasphemed.
Finally, Jesus reveals Himself as ‘Lord of the Sabbath’, who decides the lawful ways of observing the Sabbath; and that what He commands, supersedes the dictates of the Pharisees in the Temple. Furthermore, Christ defines it for them by saying that the Sabbath was instituted for the benefit of humankind, so that they may rest and focus on, and communicate with, their Creator.
He concludes by saying that they have wrongly condemned His innocent disciples.
But lookout; He’s not done:
Then Jesus went over to their synagogue, where he noticed a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees asked Jesus, “Does the law permit a person to work by healing on the Sabbath?” (They were hoping he would say yes, so they could bring charges against him.)
And he answered, “If you had a sheep that fell into a well on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you work to pull it out? Of course you would. And how much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Yes, the law permits a person to do good on the Sabbath.”
Then he said to the man, “Hold out your hand.” So the man held out his hand, and it was restored, just like the other one! Then the Pharisees called a meeting to plot how to kill Jesus. Mt. 12:9 – 14. NLT
Jesus could omnisciently read their thoughts, and He leaves for the Sea of Galilee, whereupon He healed a multitude of people.[3]
On the following day, He gathers His disciples and adds more to complete His 12 apostles:
They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons. These are the twelve he chose: Simon (whom he named Peter), James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Mk. 3:14 – 19. NLT
One day, crowds gathered around a foot of the mountain where Jesus was. Subsequently, He arrayed the apostles facing Him, placing them between Him and the crowd. Then, He began to teach.[4]
This would be Jesus’ most famous public address. It is referred to as the ‘Sermon on the Mount. It is found exclusively in the book of Matthew. However, there is also a ‘Sermon on the Plain’, found only in the book of Luke.
Some biblical scholars believe the two sermons are the same because their messages are almost identical, albeit the Sermon on the Plain is far more condensed.
The Sermon on the Mount represents the starting point where Jesus begins to tell us how to live a godly life that leads to righteous living, to properly prepare for our eternal disposition with the Godhead.
He is evolving the message of the Old Testament to synergize with His New Covenant. It is a call to follow Him.
Christ begins with a series of short sentences called the ‘Beatitudes’, (Latin for ‘blessed’). It describes the virtues required of those who properly prepare themselves for the Kingdom:
“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].” Mt. 5:3 AMP
Thus, Jesus is saying that we’re blessed (covered with Jehovah’s favor), when we are humble, knowing that we need to grow in Him to live a godly life. Then, God can work with you – molding you to be like Jesus.[5]
He also states that the Kingdom of Heaven is accessible to them in present time,so that they can walk with God now.
Next, Christ declares His second beatitude:
“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].” Mt. 5:4 AMP
I believe that Jesus purposely followed the first with the second beatitude because those who are fraught over their present spiritual state, as well as perhaps the fruit of the same, mourn because they fall out of right relationship with God repeatedly through sin. Consequently, they feel an unction to repent, to restore their love-connection.
Jesus continues with the third:
“Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth.” Mt. 5:5 AMP
The English Standard Version translates this to say, “Blessed are the meek.” ‘Meek’ does not mean ‘weak.’ It is translated from the Greek prasso, meaning ‘gentle’ and ‘humble’.
These are the followers who put God on center stage in their hearts, selflessly serving others, and so serving Jehovah. Notice again that their blessings are received in the present.
The fourth beatitude really cements the first three:
“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.” Mt. 5:6 AMP
It crowns the first three because a hunger and thirst for righteousness cannot manifest until you first recognize your spiritual vacuum, which brings you to a place of humility. Consequently, it brings you to mourn for something bigger and better for your life, by conforming your will to His.
Jesus presses on with the fifth:
“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Mt. 5:7 AMP
What He is inferring is that if you would live a godly life, it must show up in the way that you relate to others. The grace and mercy of God will only flow to you if you let it spill out of you onto others in need of same.
Beatitude number six:
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. Mt. 5:8 NLT
What is a pure heart? It’s one that is devoid of any ritualistic form of external (worldly) attempts at cleansing. It is focused on His will in all circumstances. That same heart leads its owner back to God’s grace should they fall, instead of to their head.
Number seven:
“Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God.” Mt. 5:9 AMP
Jesus willingly gives us His inward peace.[6] The peace that flows from His Father, both perpetual and serene – helping us transcend the chaos of our inner and outer worlds. We share that gift by being a peacemaker.
Beatitudes eight and nine complement one another:
“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].” Mt. 5:10 AMP
“Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me. Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Mt. 5:11, 12. AMP
If you follow Jesus, you will be persecuted. Why? Because you are a living rebuke against all people who choose the world’s ways over Christ’s.
God will reward all His children, purging them of all the suffering they endured for Him by clinging to His word…
So, Jesus opened His heart in the Beatitudes to remove the worldly scales that impaired our sight, and He purified our hearts. Consequently, we can have a life consisting of a continuous stream of eternal God moments – strengthened by His bulwarks of mercy, peace, and spiritual strength so that we take a stand for righteousness. He is building our character so that we can represent and reflect Him.
And this was just the opening act! Stay tuned…
Goodnight and God Bless.
[1] Mt. 12:1
[2] See also Hos. 6:6
[3] Mt. 12:15
[4] Mt. 5:1
[5] Rm. 8:29
[6] Jn. 14:27