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Friday December 13 - The way up is down “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
The world will tell us that we need to shout loudly, assert ourselves and fight for success. But the consistent narratives of the Bible point to the way that insignificant and unacknowledged people who trust in God win through in the end – these are ‘the meek’.
Hannah was a woman who could not conceive a child and was mocked for it (see 1 Samuel 1). In her lonely desperation she cried out to God and he gave her a son, Samuel, who became a notable prophet and leader.
Paul, in the book of Acts, was persecuted and endured many hardships while preaching the message of Jesus and his resurrection. Through beatings, stonings and shipwrecks, he committed his life to Jesus saying, “...for Christ’s sake... when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Jesus was silent before his accusers at his final trial, ultimately suffering death. But his resurrection and the resulting worldwide church are testimony to his meekness yielding power.
We may not feel significant in this world; we may be overlooked in society; we may have no apparent positions of influence; but if we trust in the one who models meekness for us and obey his commands and calling, we will inherit the earth!
Jesus, you are my example and my Lord. I trust you with my life and all that I have; do with me whatever you will for your glory on earth! Amen.
Saturday December 14 - Hungry for more of Jesus!
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will
be filled.” Matthew 5:6
Yesterday afternoon I went to a tea party and nibbled at crisps, biscuits, and cake. In the evening I was invited to another home where I was offered a delicious, nutritious dinner, but the problem was that I was not hungry because I was already full of snacks!
Sometimes life is like that: we snack on all the world offers, in terms of shopping for trinkets, comfort foods, sunshine breaks – not necessarily bad things – but when we are offered real spiritual food we are already full and no longer hungry.
This verse says that there is a blessing for those who are hungry and thirsty for the right thing. The result will be lasting satisfaction, not the temporary ‘buzz’ that we get from other lesser pleasures.
What is the righteousness that Jesus talks about? Could he be referring to the prophet Jeremiah’s prophecy, which looks forward to a time when God would send a rescuer for the world: “Now this is his name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6)? Jesus is our righteousness. Is my life centred around Jesus and what he wants? Am I looking to Jesus throughout the day as I make decisions? Am I prioritising spending time in worship and prayer?
Lord, help me to see what I need to jettison from my life so that I can be more fully centred on you, my righteousness. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY