Blessings and Woes – Remember we are All Saints

  Posted on Nov 3, 2019  by Shera Payne  No comments

Reading – Luke 6:20-31
Have you every heard an advertisement on the radio where the terms and conditions are speeded up?

Well, Jesus talks about terms and conditions in this reading.

Here is a bit of Background

Jesus is facing conflict as soon as he starts his ministry. Jesus’ teachings are in direct conflict to the teachings the religious leaders teach the people.

Jesus goes up a mountain and prays to God to select his dream team; his disciples.

This reading then appears. The reading is very similar to Matthews Sermon on the Mount:

Jesus outlines Kingdom values.

Jesus expects different standards from those who are committed to him.

Blessings and Woes
In the Old Testament there are blessings and curses.

We need to make a choice to follow God and be blessed, or not to follow God and have woes.

There are references to blessings and curses in our culture:

When someone sneezes we often say “bless you” – this is a reference to the time of the Black Death.

Cursing – we do it today in the form of swearing.

Out of mouths shall come praise not curses.

Woes are not curses they are consequences; it is our responsibility.

To bless is “to give a benediction to”, “to confer prosperity or happiness on “.

The Blessed State:

State

Blessing

Poor

Inherit the Kingdom

Hungry

Satisfaction

Sad

Laughter

Excluded

Rejoicing

State

Woe

Rich

That’s your lot!

Well fed

You’ll be spiritually hungry

Laughing

Sadness will come

Honoured by men

So were false prophets!

Jesus also states in this reading to:
Love your enemies

  • Do good to those who hate you.

  • Bless those who curse you (don’t out bad them).

  • Pray for those who mistreat you.

  • “ Go the extra mile”.

Getting back under warranty
Here are some questions you may wish to ask yourself:

  1. How can I strengthen those qualities that characterise Kingdom dwellers?

  2. Which warning has most challenged me today?

  3. Who do I hold grudges against for how they’ve treated me?

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