A Clash Of Kingdoms

A Clash of Kingdoms

Read: Matthew 5:3-10

“Blessed are the poor in spirit . . . those who mourn . . . the meek . . . those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . . the merciful . . . the pure in heart . . . the peacemakers . . . those who are persecuted.”

Matthew 5:3-10

“The Christian should stand out like a sparkling diamond.”

—Billy Graham

IN WORD Have you ever observed how these descriptions of our blessedness clash with the world? For every Beatitude there is a conflicting value more virtuous in society’s eyes.

• Our world sells us “a higher plane” with self-help materials from spiritual gurus. Poverty in spirit is a weakness.

• Our culture values “the pursuit of happiness” and “the right to party,” not mourning the sin of the world.

• The meek are scorned by the self-sufficient. Over- assertive, egocentric athletes, entertainers, and politicians are the most highly praised members of our society.

• Those who desire righteousness are considered too repressed and dysfunctional to enjoy liberated lives.

• Mercy? We live in the most litigious society in history; modern man is astoundingly creative in formulating lawsuits of retribution.

• Purity in heart is an unrealistic, holier-than-thou goal; “we’re only human,” after all.

• Peacemakers may be awarded Nobel Prizes in inter- national affairs, but asserting one’s individual rights is highly valued. Personality conflicts, divorces, and contract disagreements abound; political contests are nastier than ever.

• Our culture honors the successful, not the persecuted.

IN DEED No wonder Jesus follows up the Beatitudes by expounding on persecution! With such a clash in values between an aggressive world and a peace-loving kingdom, persecution is inevitable. There is no fellowship between the two. The Beatitudes serve as an emphatic imperative: Live in the world where God placed you, but never, ever blend in.