MENDOTA ZION UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Come, Share, Grow!

During the month of February I will be preaching a 4 part Sermon series on Matthew 5: 3-12 the Sermon on the Mount also known as the “Beatitudes” or “Blessings.” During this sermon Jesus turned the world on its head telling many who thought they were unloved and unknown by God: the poor, the mourning, the humble, the hungry, the merciful, the pure of heart, and those who are persecuted that they were the beloved and blessed of God. At the time that Jesus preached this radical sermon it was considered a sign of God’s disfavor if bad things happened to you, so if you were poor: then God hated you. If you were hungry: God was withholding God’s blessings from you and so on.

To have Jesus preach the opposite; that God particularly blessed the poor and the hungry and all those who were oppressed and persecuted, undermined many of the long held belief systems of that day, and, I believe, in many ways challenges our belief systems today. How many times do we tell ourselves or each other: “If God loves us then, “Why does good stuff happen to bad people and bad happen to good people?” “Why can’t I catch a break when other less deserving people do?” I’m sure you have heard your friends, family, or co-workers say similar statements and most likely have said something similar at some time in your lives yourself.

It is difficult to believe we are blessed when we struggle, it is hard to feel blessed when we suffer. It is easy to feel blessed when we rejoice and celebrate victories. God, however, does not give out blessings as awards but as God’s love and grace in our lives and it is when we are struggling and suffering and dealing with turmoil that God’s blessings are needed the most. It is also when we turn away from what the world believes is important and do what is right in the eyes of God such as showing mercy, working for peace, and being persecuted that God blesses us for bearing the weight of living the life of the just rather than the popular in a secular world.

God does celebrate with us when our lives are joyous, but God also loves us and blesses us when our lives are difficult; this is the gift taught to us by Christ that day on the Mount. The gift of God’s Blessings throughout our lives, even if the world turns it back on us – God never will. Amen.