THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW OF MOSES

Doug gulped a mouthful of tablets as usual before he retired to bed. The scholarly old man just finished perusing the last documents of the new regulations of the society. Poor health and constant late nights had caused him to feel more lethargic as ever.

As he began to lie down to bed, his phone rang. “Yes!”

“Oh no! Prof., that idiot has done it again,” the other person on the line muttered.

“Calm down, Rex. What done it again?”

“Calvin has changed some rules in our society! He wanted to change what you have done over the last ten years!” Doug’s assistance hollered.

“What! Calvin again?”

The People-Choice-Awards Society was a powerful entity in the city, highly sponsored by the corporate world and sanctioned by the government itself. Doug with some prominent professors and business people had founded the society, giving out awards for life-changing works either through a person or a group. As years went by, there were added regulations to protect its awards until it was almost impossible for common people to participate. No one dared to criticize the Society because of its many high-standing patronages. Doug often boasted, “My rules are chiselled on stone.”

Calvin was a young successful businessman. He had done a great deal for society especially among the poor and was named caring entrepreneur of the year by a famous newspaper. Yet, he could not break in to Doug’s Society although he submitted his work many times. One day, he thought to change things within and was appointed into the board.

From inside, he could see all the unbending extra regulations, making it extremely difficult for anyone to win without help and intervention. The young entrepreneur looked up to the sky and decided to change things so that the original intention of the Society would be realised again.

After many years heading the outfit, Doug had proudly added new laws to secure his position in the Society and also to please the many opinions of various people.

“Calvin, do you care to explain why you have to change some regulations which we had set so meticulously by all of us?” Doug questioned his colleague.

“Yes! I think we need a clarification from you,” Rex insisted.

Calvin cleared his throat. “Listen to me, all my esteemed colleagues. I did not change the regulations at all. I simply simplify them for the sake of better following. Through the years, the laws have been too rigid and stiff. Furthermore, the added regulations made them more impenetrable. We need to guide the people who submitted their applications so that they could follow along with us,” he explained confidently.

It was Doug who roped in Calvin to the board. The plot was to have as many on his side as possible. The longer the energetic young man was in, the hotter he was to handle. In the end, Calvin managed to get more than half onto his side for the change. Doug was losing the popularity and the majority vote.

“But...it was agreed already our set of rules,” Doug argued.

“Do you have better ones?” One influential board member spoke.

“Doug, we have benefitted by your many years of service here. It’s time we need fresher ideas from the younger generation,” opined another.

The old man was smiling on the outside but gritted his guts. “I suggest we go for a vote on this,” he suggested, hoping against hope to win.

As the 10 board members began to vote, Calvin was praying for an overwhelming support. The votes were counted, 9 to 1. Doug took a long hard look at Rex, stood up and said, “I resign!”

The Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:17-20 was a history changing time for Israel and for the rest of the world. The Law of Moses given by God at Mount Sinai had always been the supreme laws of the Land. Kings would make or break in regards to those laws. The whole nation rises or falls depending on them. God desires His people to follow His laws to shout His fame but sadly, they fail and fail Him miserably!

The laws of Moses first of all are good laws – scholars of the Bible argued that they are more humane than the laws of Israel’s many surrounding nations. When Jesus came upon the scene, He seemed like abolishing all those laws. Of course, the Pharisees and teachers, strict guardians of Moses’ laws, especially the Ten Commandments, were shoving and screaming at Jesus. They added many laws until they reached 613 commandments. (According to Babylonian Talmud, Makkot 23b-24a, the negative commandments number 365, which coincides with the number of days in the solar year and the positive commandments number 248, a number ascribed to the number of bones and main organs in the human body) One can now see the impenetrable laws which evolve to become a trap for everyone. In fact, God wants the laws to be an ‘X-ray’ to show that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. A ‘wake-up’ call for all, that everyone needs a Saviour!

The Son of God managed to stir up all kinds of emotions among the people when He made some seemingly new alterations to laws that they were taught carefully to obey since young. When we look a little closer at Scriptures, Jesus Christ neither abolishes nor changes the laws of Moses. In fact, He upgrades them even further. The people of Israel used to obey from the power of the will and when Jesus came, He wanted them to obey from inside out. Murder stemmed from anger and adultery caused by lust from the heart (Matthew 5:21-22; 27-28). Jesus wanted a complete overhaul of the heart! In fact a new heart must replace an old one and that would need divine intervention. This was not a surprise if the people understood the Old Testament correctly! It was prophesied from Moses to the prophets!

The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live (Deuteronomy 30:6).

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart (Jeremiah 24:7).

Thus, Jesus began to change the mindset of the people of His days that without God in them to help them, they would fail miserably. Only after Jesus died and resurrected, the people began this ‘new heart’ lives with the Holy Spirit in them.

And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).

With 613 tangled and complex laws, it is unsurprising that the Jews were ensnared in the circle of confusion. One can remember when at the Garden of Eden, there was only one law – do not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). 

Jesus then shortened 613 laws to two greatest commandments which all the Law and the Prophets hung on (Matthew 22:34-40).

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’’

No one could and can fulfill or fully obey Moses’ laws except one Man – Jesus Christ! He lived a perfect sinless life and no one could point a finger at Him or talk a single bad about Him. Therefore He was worthy to die on our behalf for all our sins. When He died on the cross for the sins of mankind, Jesus in essence ‘carried believers’ over to God! Not one person could or can earn himself or herself to be restored to the relationship with God!

When we go to heaven, God sees Jesus’ sacrifice as the seal of redemption! Not us! We are all sinners condemned to hell if not for our Saviour!

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1-4).

So, we come back to the Person of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus left to heaven after His resurrection, He sent the Holy Spirit to be in every believer. He was the promise of God of how a ‘new heart’ believer should live from then on. The Holy Spirit is working His way in us so that we can obey the two greatest commandments mentioned above. From the inside out!

Next: Anger and Murder (Matthew 5:21-26)

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH AND LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Dave raises both his hands in triumph! In the quietness of his office, he lets out a soft, “Yes!” After many years of research, finally a breakthrough appears imminent. Now, no one can stop him from creating a powerful vaccine to protect human lungs from tuberculosis. It can even cure it much quicker than normal medicine can. As he still celebrating in his heart, Becky, his assistant comes in for a usual discussion. This gives Dave a fright that he almost falls down from his chair. “Sorry, Dave, I should have knocked,” Becky speaks with a grin. “It’s okay. I was being careless just now,” Dave replies quickly.

“You were asking for some virus samples so urgently yesterday. Is there any improvement on the vaccine yet?” his able assistant asks casually. “Not really. Still working on it. As you know how any research is,” Dave explains sheepishly.

Becky leaves him alone again. The scientist quickly dials for the Director of Potent Drugs Co., the largest pharmaceutical company in the state. An appointment is hastily arranged.

“Dr. David, this is quite a news,” James, CEO of PDC leans over and speaks softly to him.

“This is gigantic news, one that can create waves around the world,” Dave proclaims excitedly. “I know that it is the government’s project but if you patent this, your PDC can own this first. You do know about the ramifications on the P and L, don’t you?” he adds.

“So, cut the chase. What’s in it for you?” James speaks sternly.

“100 million ”

“How do you plan to settle with our government on this before we give you the money?”

“You give me 100 million and bank into my Swiss account and I give the entire research to your scientists. I want money not name or fame. You can do what you want with the whole research”

“Can I trust you on this?”

“Bring a scientist that you can trust and I will show the person the real stuff.”

Later at Home

“Hello baby, I am home,” Dave greets Donna, his wife. “Hi! How’s work?” Donna asks with concern as it is late. “As usual,” he bluffs.

“You know what, Dave. Just now, our daughter came home crying and said how come your research on tuberculosis took so long. Her friend’s mother is diagnosed with that and has been coughing super badly,” his wife speaks enthusiastically about their 8-year old daughter’s compassion.

“Oh..that is sad. Our girl is really growing up well,” he answers and turns away. His conscience takes a sharp jab.

The Next Morning

“Who are these people, Becky?” Dave asks, visibly upset. “Oh.. these are the family members of people they love who suffer severe tuberculosis. They are touring our facilities and wanted to know the latest happenings in our experiments,” Becky replies. “Can you do a short briefing and just encourage them a bit?” she adds with compassion.

“I have been hearing of tuberculosis sufferers lately. Is God telling me something?” Dave thought to himself. Although he attended church only a few times while he was younger, some verses flash back to his mind. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16).

Suddenly, he realises that his research project is bigger than him. It is absolutely priceless. This 'light' will bring hope for tuberculosis sufferers (or even later, lung cancer patients) all over the world. Dave decided not to hide his research anymore. He makes up his mind too not to let greed mix into this 'salt' and loses its effectiveness to impact the world! If he hands over this research to a company, they may make the vaccine unreachable to poor people.

The Sermon on the Mount continues with salt and light analogies. God is so bent on blessing the world that He  even sent His Son, Jesus to die for the sins of mankind. In others words, God gives His all. His 'light' is never once hidden. His 'salt' never loses its saltiness!

Jesus challenges all of us to be like God. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

Be a blessing! Don't 'hide' our kingdom-living lives or 'shine' only for a select few. During Jesus' days, there were towns built on a hill. Still they are today in Israel. Those towns are plain for everyone to see. In the same way, let us shine Jesus for all to see! There are so many today trapped in darkness, groping along dark alleyways of worldly philosophies in an uncaring world. They need to be set free from all kinds of bondage! Jesus calls us 'light of the world' and if we are not shining, it is so 'oxymoronic'.

Salt is used mainly to add flavour to food and to preserve food for a longer period of time. Many people ask, 'can salt actually loses its saltiness?" The answer is yes. Salt loses its saltiness when it mixes with water or perhaps some kind of substance that dilutes its influence. Believers in Jesus are salt of the earth, influencers in the stinking world! If we lose the salt 'value', then it is good for nothing*. 

All of us have been gifted in one way or another. Use whatever God has given us to influence lives for Jesus! We are saved to serve. We are purposefully created to accomplish God's purposes. And we do it for His glory! 

*When Jesus says, 'thrown out and trampled underfoot' when salt loses its influence, He is NOT talking about Christians being thrown into hell when they do not produce results. Our Master Communicator just uses common things to illustrates His teachings. He is plainly saying that it is useless when salt has lost its saltiness, that's all.

Next: The Fulfillment of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20)

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED BECAUSE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

“Don’t give up!” my best friend, Amy, cried with me. “We are with you,” she spoke hugging me. I kept my chin up, tears and all, fighting hard to resist that temptation of walking away from it all. The thugs came consistently to warn me about what they would do to my younger son if I continue to dwell on it.

Just the other day, my eldest son was dragged away to prison for a charge of speaking against the authorities. He was simply protecting me from being beaten by a group of men. Both my younger son and I were punched and kicked as we held on to him so tightly like any mother or a close brother would. While they pulled away my son, they screamed with hatred, “We shall return!”

That day, if not for Amy, I would have gone crazy from overwhelming sorrow. I had never felt such pain since the time my husband was sentenced to die for a crime he didn’t commit. It was a trump-up charge by the authorities. 

Ever since that day my husband and I gathered a group of people to fight against injustices for all the farm workers, we were targeted. We could no longer stand in silence to watch the employers and land owners exploited these helpless humans. They were treated like slaves, toiling all day for a meagre pay. All we want was to tell the bosses that they depended on the workers too. And to remind them that it was God that gave them ability to get wealth.

Every time I wanted to give up, there would be people like Amy and so many poor souls coming to lift up my spirit. Even my younger son fought back tears, telling me to fight on. I would never forget those words he said to me, “Don’t let papa down!”

Just as I was feeling that we are fighting a losing battle, I heard some noise outside my house. It was Joseph, a man known for his compassion, came to see me with many people. “Erica, we came here to tell you something,” he spoke gently. “There are now more and more workers joining your, “Justice for Workers” campaign and we have decided to have you continue leading us. As for your safety, we have already kept in touch with some good people in high places and they said they would support your cause,” he added. There was a thunderous applause as Joseph finished. I felt as if a bright light just dawned on me. I know the battle was not over yet but it was a huge relief for me. 

“Can I suggest something to you, Erica?” Joseph asked politely. “Can we change the name from “Justice for Workers” to Justice for All” campaign?” The reason is that we would also want justice for your husband and for your oldest son,” he added and patted me on my shoulder to console me.

Deep down I knew that it would be a long battle to change a corrupt society. It would take a strong group of righteous people who feared only God to fight. And to win the battle, it entailed those who were willing to sacrifice, even their very lives!

I asked myself a deep question occasionally, “Do I want to hold on to my life or am I willing to give it away for the sake of others?” Although it was so extremely difficult, but inside me, there was this little glow of satisfaction that I just couldn’t explain.

One day, my younger son excitedly told me about a Person who claimed to be the Messiah who was passing by. It was the opportunity I wouldn’t want to miss. There was already a large crowd there and so we stood a distance away.

Then I saw Him. Just by looking at His eyes, I could sense He was somewhat different from the rest of us. He stood upright and spoke in a booming voice,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

The Messiah paused. Those last few words touched me deeply. It was as if Jesus the Christ explained that unexplainable satisfaction deep within my soul. It seemed absurd to be happy as being persecuted. But then, I understood exactly what the Messiah meant – I was in the centre of what God was doing and it fitted right in with Him. Right there and then, I didn’t care if I got any applause from men. All I wanted was the approval of God, even if it meant giving my life!

The eight and the last beatitude of Jesus speaks of being persecuted for righteousness and for Him. As Jesus also mentions prophets of old, he means sacrificing of lives as well. Many of those prophets died doing the will of God.

Depending on which country you live in right now, those words of Jesus may mean a lot or may not mean anything at all. In some countries today (Yes! Twenty first century!), there are still persecution of Christians, imprisonment, torture and even deaths as they preach the good news of Christ! For many other countries, Christians are free to worship and preach the Word to others without being persecuted or harassed. However, the ills of complacency and neglect in reaching the lost often follow this comfortable freedom.

A believer in Christ can make a choice to either be a true disciple of Christ or be someone who lives comfortably waiting for a pie in the sky. 

The latter will choose not to get ‘dirty’ for God and others but cruise along life uninvolved in the things of God. These Christians may be happy once in a while but will never experience the true satisfaction that God offers in being a disciple of Christ. Regret awaits them when they leave this earth. Even when many of these grow old, their past apathy will haunt them greatly.

To those who choose to do the right thing, the tears that they sow will not go unnoticed by God. They will reap in joy! The hardship, suffering, torture and martyrdom for Christ, to God, it is of great honour! Sometimes it is such oxymoron when we glance at the beatitudes, but when we look closely, they were gems beyond the natural eyes. To the uninformed and ignorant, these were foolish sayings but to those disciples of Jesus Christ, the joy they found in God, is irreplaceable, priceless.

Next: You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world!
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2013/07/you-are-salt-of-earth-and-light-of-world.html

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS FOR THEY WILL BE CALLED SONS OF GOD

That night, I cried myself to sleep again. There was really nothing I could do anymore. My heart resigned to the fact that they would not be reconciled again, ever. It was terribly frustrating. The next morning, I woke up thinking about the good old days. I hate my mind sometimes for not shutting down when I wanted to forget everything. I still remembered vividly the days when my younger sister and I were carried by our dad’s strong arms and my mom would jokingly wanted to be carried too. We often went picnicking and as we scampered around under his watchful eyes, my own eyes would catch hold of tender hugs and kisses of the two lovebirds. I felt such peace and security when my parents did that. It was a little like heaven on earth.

Those days were gone. Why people could love each other so much previously and then turned so nasty a little later on? It was bewildering and overwhelming. I felt helpless and distressed. As I prayed for them, I was brought to remembrance how I was a successful mediator between few disputing friends in different times and situations. Could I do the same with my parents? Yes, there was a mention of the dreaded ‘D’ word but if I give up, it might become a reality. That to me would be disastrous!

“Wake up, dear! Time for school,” my mom called in her usual sweet voice. I called her, “the master chef” as she could cook delicious meals throughout the day, deserts, appetizer you named it. When I greeted her that day, it was not her usual cheery self anymore. That sad look on her face broke my heart to thousand pieces. That day, it did something inside me. I was fired up to be a mediator, by ‘hook or by crook’. It would be my greatest task, the most challenging and emotional one thus far, I thought to myself.

“Hi, dad!” I spoke as he opened the door for me. He was staying in his friend’s house. Although separated from my mom just few weeks ago, he looked distraught and messy. “How is your sister?” he asked sadly. I knew he would bring up this topic of his favourite daughter. “She is not good, dad. Her grades are down and I heard crying from inside her room,” I told him the truth, the whole truth. “I am so sorry, June. I know it would affect both of you but..,” I saw drops of tears from his eyes. We hugged and cried together.

“I know this is between you and mom but just tell me what can I do, anything, so that both of you could come back together?” I asked softly but firmly.  In my heart, I was willing even to die to see them reconciled. “I know even though you can talk it over with mom, it would not be back to good days straight away, no matter how I wished,” I quickly added before he could give his excuses.

“It is not that easy, June. Can your mom accept the person I have become? Yes, I know I was not like before but she has to come to term with who I am,” he blurted.

“But will you accept her as she is the same you wanted her to accept you?” I chipped. “Can both of you let God do the changing?”

“I don’t know. We are just not compatible anymore,” my dad raised his voice in frustration, sounded confused. “Dad, it is not about compatibility but about taking the lead to make things right.  “Can you do it for me, for Sue?” I pleaded. An unexpected silence ensued. Although his ego refused to let him nod his head, I could see his heart was willing to give it a try.

"I don’t know how now, after I had said some nasty things to her,” my dad surprised me with those words.

“Dad, I stayed with mom and I know for a fact she is devastated with what had happened! Give it a good try,” I pressed.  From the bag that I brought, I took out some freshly baked cookies, taken (or stolen) from mom for my dad. “Dad, I have to go now. These are for you,” I said and hugged him again.

I was awakened by someone rushing into my room. “Sue, can’t you have the courtesy to knock first? What happened? Tell me?” I demanded. “June! June! Come out to the hall and see for yourself!” my lovely sister said and roughly held my hands to lead me out.

What I saw that day I would not forget for the rest of my life! They were hugging so tight no ants could even pass through! I knelt down and cried! Both of them knelt with me and together with Sue, we ‘entangle’ ourselves, promised never to disentangle again!

My dad brought me to see a ‘Man’ that everyone thought was the Messiah promised long ago. He would be like the Saviour of mankind. We went there early just like our usual picnic days! I was happy beyond measure! A large crowd was there already when we arrived. I saw the Person my dad brought me to see and hear. I felt the presence of God so real when he stood up to speak.

He taught, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Jesus the Christ paused.

I felt two pair of gentle hands on my back. Turning around, I found out it was my parents’ hands and they were in tears! “He is speaking of you,” my dad whispered! And when I looked again at Jesus, I saw he was looking at me and smiled. Those were the best days of my life!

How many people in the world today desire peace! Most if not all! Countless people are peace lovers but sadly not many dare to be peacemakers. In the beatitude, Jesus taught the connection between peacemakers with sons (or daughters) of God.  If you profess to be a child of God, you are called to be peacemakers! The message is plain and clear.

There is a difference between worldly peacemakers and a Christian one. Yes, we must stand for peace and we must also try our best to make peace with two disputing parties. Yet, our call is of a higher nature! We are called to help reconcile the lost to God. We reach out to those whose lives are empty without God and are anxious without assurance of the love of God. This peace that God gives the world will never understand until they are made right with God.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives (John 14:27).

Oh, the joy and satisfaction of seeing wrecked lives reconcile with the peace of God! But greater joy would be the one who ignites and starts that process of reconciliation!

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Cor 5:18-20).

Next: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Mat 5:10).
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2012/09/blessed-are-those-who-are-persecuted.html

BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY WILL SEE GOD

I saw that smile again. Why I had to come to this stage that I had to envy some poor soul? The unfortunate one as I often thought of him just had a fall, breaking his leg. He had also lost his father few weeks ago. Here I was having everything in life a man would want. It just didn’t add up. I had a great family, a booming business and also good health to boast with but deep down I was depressed. Why?

Truth be told, many times I was tempted to ask him but ego stopped me. Perhaps I was afraid to approach him for some ‘unneighbourly’ things I had done. I didn’t even offer help when his father passed away. Even though he was poor, his wife even at times gave us some fruits whenever there had some extras. But I got no time for them, because I didn’t want to lose time mixing with poor people. My business had taken most of my time, eating even into my family’s life.

My mind was preoccupied with all the farm workers, making sure they worked and oh, the financial part of the business, no one could get a single extra dime from me. Lately, I had been drinking and feasting, mixing with some tax collectors, wanting to gain some favours from them. My wife might not know but I had started fooling around with women with all my accumulated wealth.

It just drove me crazy to see the glow in this man. Was not happiness found in wealth as I always had thought? How come it was not? To make matter worse, this guy next door constantly ‘knocked’ on my conscience door of my heart. Yes, I did cheat a little in my business but wasn’t that the norm? It didn’t fit at all to whatever I was having in life. This family had almost zero in terms of pleasure but they seemed to enjoy life.

I had had enough. As I was thinking hard, a voice spoke, “Good Day! Gordon!”

“Ehhh, Good!” I replied in haste. He stood there smiling as usual. “That rotten smile again!” I thought to myself. “Can I ask you a question?” I put my anger to good use. “What makes you….happy?” I asked, drowning my ego for the time being.

“God!” he answered. I froze in his one word answer. “Okay. I got to go. See you around,” I quickly turned away from this guilt-ridden conversation. As I walked just a bit, he shouted, “Will you like to go to Olive Avenue for a meeting with a Man who claimed Himself to be God this evening?” I stopped. “Huh?”

I walked on without looking back. I had heard of that Person who had healed many sicknesses and diseases. It was like unheard of miracles being performed by Him. “Why not?” I whispered softly to myself.

The crowd was unruly as I arrived to the venue to meet with this Man, many claimed to be the Messiah who was to come. Everyone just wanted to get a glimpse of Him.  From afar, I saw Him. This Man had even a greater glow than my neighbour next door. 

And then he spoke.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”

When He paused, the one word, “God” rang in my ears like a bell. My heart felt like exploding inside, so much of guilt and shame stirring within. Then I saw him. My neighbour, Timothy knelt with his hands raised. I saw tears flowing freely. It was not sadness but a life that filled with the joy of God. Did he see something I didn’t? 

Then I turned to look at Jesus. His eyes locked mine. At that moment, I was repentant and for the first time, I felt pure! I knew what happiness really was. That day, an encounter with Jesus changed my life forever. I saw what Timothy saw. God!

No other values of Christianity have been challenged so strongly, passionately and subtlely than purity. What was being considered promiscuous behaviours twenty years ago are now accepted in today’s society. Although no Christian is perfect in purity, God desires us to walk with a clear conscience. He loves all of us to have healthy relationships, first with Him, then with everyone. 

Jesus Himself simplifies the complicated 613-law system of the Jewish people into two relationship laws which sum up all the laws and regulations the Old Testament writers speak about.

(Mat 22:37-40)  Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

In another place, Jesus emphasises good relationship as he speaks these words below...

(Mat 7:12)  So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

We live in a broken world! So common today to see and hear of broken relationships and of dysfunctional families everywhere. To make matter worse, we have the Hollywood movies, TV shows and product advertisements suggesting young people to live life free. Do whatever you want as long as you don’t harm anyone.

Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God. To see God means to experience the reality of God every day. A truly happy and fulfilled life knows that God is with us. That God is pleased with us. Peace and joy flood our inner being every day. In contrary, people with impure heart live with shame and guilt. They always play the guessing game not knowing whether God accepts them or not. Their conscience pricks them throughout the course of the day. If their hearts are not settled, eventually they will go from bad to worse. The Bible even said that these people’s consciences can be seared (1 Timothy 4:2). They would go on living a lie.

To be pure needs determination. It is hard. However, we are not without help. The Holy Spirit resides in a Christian and those who keep in step with Him, will grow the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

(Gal 5:22-23)  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control….

Next: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God (Mat 5:9).
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2012/08/blessed-are-peacemakers-for-they-will.html

BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY WILL BE SHOWN MERCY

“Please forgive my son. I beg you,” the elderly woman knelt and sobbed in front of my small little abode. My head screamed for justice but my heart looked with pity. Both of us were broken deep inside, burden so heavy that only God could have understood. There were no more tears left in my eyes.

Elizabeth, just few days ago, was a proud mother to Phillips, her only son. Without a slightest hint to her, Phillips was a farmer by day and a thief by night. To Beth, he was a good filial son, expert in making her laugh.

That fateful day, something went seriously wrong. My son, Bryan woke to find Phillips searching for his spoils. They got into a scuffle and my beloved son was unintentionally killed. Phillips knelt at Bryan’s body, frantically trying to revive him but to no avail. Out of great fear, he ran away while constantly muttering something like, “It was not me! It was not me!”

As the commotion woke us up, I was shocked to see Bryan in a pool of blood. I didn’t know how long I held on to his lifeless body. My husband tried with all his might and words for me to let go but I prevailed. When I did let go eventually, the whole world had gone blank. There was like no one inside me. Emptiness was all I got.

My husband and I cried buckets of tears every minute. We tried to be strong for our youngest daughter but it was like a gigantic task. Then this lady came begging at my grieving house. I let out a heinous whisper which I regretted later, “Mother of a murderer!”

Initially, I tried to drown out Elizabeth’s words, telling her to just go. For a while I was unflinchingly unforgiving, and then I saw through the crying face into her broken heart. We are in different circumstances, yet the same cut in the heart. A cut so deep only a loving mother would understand. Both of our worlds were torn asunder.

With my approval, my husband ushered Elizabeth into the house and we hugged for the very first time. “Please forgive us. I know I am not worthy to even come here. Have mercy on my son. He wanted to kill himself this morning but I stopped him in the nick of time,” Elizabeth cried as she pleaded. “We can be your slaves for the rest of our lives but just let him live,” she added within sobs.

I sensed a supernatural strength blew into my grieving soul. Yes, I cannot bring back my son, but do I want to kill off another ‘son’?

“I will forgive your son. Give me some time,” I offered some kind of a temporary solution to ease both our burdens a little. “I will wait for it as long as I am still alive,” Elizabeth hugged me tighter.

That afternoon, my husband brought me to hear a “man” many presumed to be a prophet from God and some even said he was God incarnate. This ‘person’ had done wonderful miracles in many places and he was in this side of town.

When we arrived, there was already a large crowd waiting eagerly just to hear firsthand from him. Still crying and aching from the inside of me, I wanted to find relief, perhaps from this man of God. He stood up after a while of waiting, and spoke. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” 

Jesus, the man they called Son of God, paused. His penetrating eyes caught mine. I felt he was looking directly at me.

“How did he know what happened?” I thought to myself, tears streaming down my eyes. “I thought God would not even care,” I continued to be carried away in the world of my own. Jesus’ words and eyes made significant impact deep inside my sorrowful soul. It felt like a born again experience, a regeneration.

I saw my husband cried too. He came over to hug me and whispered, “Blessed are the merciful. That’s us!” We hugged for some time and as I opened my eyes, I saw them. They stared at me, waiting for my nod of life. I smiled for the very first time since the deadly incident. Then I saw them approaching where we were standing. Elizabeth pushed her son, Phillips, nearer to me. He knelt and uttered, “Please forgive me! I cannot undo anything but I will do what needed to be done. I will serve your family like any son would. I pledge my life for your family. God is my witness.”

I lost a son that I had but I found one back that was lost.

When Jesus speaks of the fifth beatitude, he knows that he will be the greatest example of showing mercy* than anyone in the world. The Creator who made the universe is about to become a sacrifice for His creations. The King will give His life for His subjects. His trial will be a mockery and injustices towards Him will pile high into the heavens.

When humans show mercy, it would forever fall short of what Jesus had done. His sacrifice is like a billion dollars to our one hundred bucks of mercy. It’s like comparing eternity with a mere 100 years of pilgrimage here on earth. And that sometimes we even took great pride when we forgave others thinking we had done God proud.

We appreciate God’s mercy more when we do the same with our lives. In fact, when we are saved, we are to become more like Christ. Showing mercy is a significant part of a godly life as we live in the midst of injustices and oppressions. Depending on the degree of the hurt, forgiveness usually takes a process of time and effort. More so, it depends on our willingness to let go and how far we want to go and glorify God!

*There is a difference between mercy and grace. When you hurt someone and that someone forgives you, that’s mercy. When you hurt someone and that someone forgives you and still treats you as loving as before or even more, that’s grace. God shows us mercy by wiping our sins away and sets us free. God shows us grace by creating a godly family for us and giving us a share in His Son’s inheritance! In other words, everything we have today is a product of God’s grace! We simply fall apart without His mercy and grace! So, be merciful!

NEXT: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2012/06/blessed-are-pure-in-heart-for-they-will.html

BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR THEY WILL BE FILLED

I was looking at the dwindling wheat and tears fell from my eyes. Since it was not in my nature to blame God for my predicament, I continued painfully to trust my Provider. My husband had to toil day and night to provide food on the table. Both of us needed to be strong in order to take care of my two lovely sons. Their future was our concern. To me, anyone that bothered not about the next generation would be a selfish fellow. For God had spoken so much about passing to the next generation, His Word, His wisdom. I strived then to be an exemplary mother.


As I knelt there in prayer, I heard a sweet call of my name from outside. My husband had been my constant strength in the midst of difficulties. I considered him my fortress. As I open the door, two smiling boys rushed to fill my arms of love. They just loved spending time with their awesome dad. Danny and Tom might not understand what we went through but to see them happy was a worthwhile sacrifice.



The central theme for both of us was following God’s Word. It was the only foundation that we built our lives upon. We constantly thirst for more of Him to impart and impact our kids. One question always stood out as a motto in our lives: How could we give when we ourselves were not filled?



“Darling, I had a rough day today,” my man let out a sigh. While the boys left to play, I hugged him tight. “Tell me, I am a good listener,” I said, hoping my love would comfort him.



“I was happy this afternoon to receive my pay for the week, at least it was not cut like before with all kinds of unclear taxes. My arrogant boss had seen my commitment to his farm and decided to spare me the cut. I know he is not a man of integrity but I thank God, he did something good for me today,” he spoke gently.



“That’s good news but…” I chipped in, eagerly waiting for the rough part.



“Yah, there was a ‘but’. After that, as I strolled home whistling God’s praise, a friend came to me with a sad story. He told me that he needed some money to pay off his landlord where he owed for quite a number of months. He sounded quite desperate. He is an honest man as far as I know. I was struggling between our own lack and the gentle voice of God tugging at my heart,” my husband spoke slower.



In my heart, I already knew the outcome of that encounter. “How much did you lend him?” I probed.



“Half of my pay,” he said softly, looking at me. Although he was strong in leading our home, he wanted some sort of approval from me. He always desired that we were on the same page. It would be tough for us but I gave him a hearty approval. I held him tighter and uttered, “I am SO proud of you.” In my mind, all along, I wanted my husband to do what was right in the eyes of God all the time, even in the midst of difficulties. He let out a smile that melted my heart. We might have suffered lack but deep within us, we were fulfilled. We felt like we were in the centre of God’s great purpose for our lives. Indeed, the joy of the Lord was our strength!



“Hey, Sweetest Darling, you know what. I heard of a man from God coming into this side of town which many said is the prophesied Messiah. Can I have a date with you this evening?” my husband asked with a booming voice.


When we arrived to the place, there was already a crowd, all anticipating what this “Messiah” would say to them. We park ourselves at a corner with the two boys, looking forward for the sweet gentle voice of God which we always longed after.



A well-built man stood up and declared, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”



Jesus paused and we stood speechless. Every word seemed like fire burning deep into our souls. My husband and I were like empty vessels, thirsting for more of God. And those words ignited in us a frenzy of emotions, coming from Jesus the Messiah Himself. It was like, ‘Wow, God knew what was in my mind and what we did for Him!’ kind of a feeling. Our physical (wheat) vessel needed filling, so was our spiritual vessel. I raised my hands and said softly, “God, you are truly my Provider!”


The encounter with God that day greatly boosted our confidence to continue being righteous man and woman of God.



The fourth beatitude suggests a life of consciously following every instruction of God. It is choosing to be a willing vessel for God’s glory. Today unfortunately, many Christians have conformed to the patterns of this world, being in sync with its standards. They live their life depending on circumstances and their own constant-changing feelings. Some have also argued away the truths from the Bible with worldly philosophies and fear of men.



The only fulfilment we can find as Christians is by living and relying on the solid ROCK of God’s Word as the only foundation. All other ways are shifting sand. We may stand firm on them for a while but eventually we will crumble. Even the seemingly righteous acts that flow out from the world are nothing but selfish agendas.


The prophet Isaiah declared long ago, “..all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;.. (Isa 64:6). Jesus lambasted some Pharisees for being like whitewash tombs, a depiction of lovely on the outside but dead men’s bones on the inside (Matthew 23:27).


A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." (Isa 40:6-8)


Apart from God’s Word, everything will fail. The above verses are so relevant for today’s generation where there are so many godless people who are striving to find fulfilment and meaning to life, not knowing they are like grass that would soon wither. God told Isaiah to present Him and His Word confidently to the lost world. In essence, God proclaimed, “Either you stand on My Word or you fall, period.”


Usually, people do things guided by their innate beliefs. When they believe something contrary to the Word of God, then they will do and behave likewise. In the same manner, the Christians who hold on to the Word of God, they will do accordingly. We must not be afraid of our weaknesses. God is our Provider. God will fill our inadequacies with His power and grace as we act. He will empower us when we go for Him.


(Isa 40:28-31) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.


NOTE: Righteousness could have a two-fold meaning. First, we are righteous because Christ died for our sins. That’s our position in God. The second meaning is found in our actions. Due to our righteous position, we do righteous acts. Position of righteousness doesn’t mean that automatically righteous acts will flow out from our beings. We have to practice what we believe in. Someone said this, “Even when we are on the right track, we will get run over when we stay still.”


Next: Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
http://psbible.blogspot.com/2012/05/blessed-are-merciful-for-they-will-be.html