26 April 2010
Psalm 41,52; Exod. 32:1-20; Col 3:18-4:18; Matt. 5:1-10

As Moses delays coming down the mountain, the people get anxious. Has he died? Is he ever coming back? Has he forgotten them? Their confidence is gone and they set about the purpose of creating other gods to replace what seems to be lost. We need something in which to set our store and hopes for the future and so we are willing to create gods in spite of the reality that it is ridiculous to worship things we create or things created. They have also decided that it was Moses who delivered them and brought them up out of Egypt, not the Lord so it is fine to create these gods since Moses is really just a man after all. Moses’ time with the Lord on the mountain is interrupted by this scene and the Lord’s anger breaks out against His people. The survival of the nation is at stake as they have broken covenant with Him. It is a test of Moses’ leadership. Will he carry this people and intercede for them in spite of their sin? We must realize that we, like the Israelites, are awaiting a return and how we wait matters.

Jesus, here in the Sermon on the Mount, tells us how to live in the time of awaiting His coming again. The Beatitudes are a countercultural and almost counter-human way of life. They cut across our sinful desires and tell us of another way of living, not the way of the world, the way of revelry, but the way of mourning the way things are and hoping for what will be. The way of poverty of Spirit is the key to the riches of the kingdom now and in eternity. The way of mourning is the way of receiving comfort from the Lord, His presence. The way of meekness, not self-seeking, is the way to receiving from God. To recognize the deeper hunger and thirst of the soul is the key to satisfaction of the desires. Those who show mercy rather than seeking revenge will receive mercy from the Lord. The ones whose hearts are set on the Lord, and nothing else, will see Him. Those who seek peace are those who are truly God’s children, He seeks after peace as well. Those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake are the ones who truly possess the kingdom of heaven which is based in righteousness, acting in accord with one’s beliefs or words.

Paul gives counsel on how to conduct ourselves rightly in primary relationships, spouses, children, and slaves to their employers and vice versa. Even in prison, Paul asks that they pray for him to have opportunities to share the Gospel. Our relationships with one another are a testimony to the Lord, and Paul reminds us that in all things we should remember that truth and conduct ourselves in all situations in ways that glorify Him. It is important that we wait well and bear fruit for Him. Yes, the waiting is the hardest part, but if we set our goal as bringing glory to Him, we make the best use of the time given to us.

I am like a green olive tree
in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
forever and ever.
I will thank you forever,
because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,
in the presence of the godly.