Lesson 2285

(Lesson 2285)(03-14-18) Matthew 5:1-16
    “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
   
    Today’s quote relates that after Jesus had amassed a great crowd of people, He began preach the standard of righteousness that would be required to enter the kingdom of heaven.
    In the final part of the quote, Jesus encouraged His followers to remainopen and vigilent in their in their search for righteousness so that their efforts could be seen by the world around them.
    Today's so called Christians seem to be caught in the rut that Jesus was teaching against in today’s lesson. They show up at “church” two or three times per week, to occupy the same pew they have occupied for years, while doing nothing toward spreading the good news of the amazing, saving grace of God through Jesus Christ.
    I am not trying to discourage church attendance, I’m only saying that our work for Christ consists of much more than merely sitting in a pew two or three times per week waiting for some lost soul to come and sit beside us so by just being there, we might possibly influence him/her to seek out Jesus.
    The message Jesus taught in today’s quote clearly informs us that we should “let our light shine” so that others, through us, can see the awesome benefits of following our Lord Jesus Christ.~