Hunger and thirst / Mercy

I apologize that both of these posts are late, here are my thoughts on weeks 4 and 5

Week 4

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

I was inspired by the right relatedness of the four relationships we were created for described in this sermon. Of all the beatitudes thus far, this one cut the deepest. Am I hungering and thirsting for righteousness like the one who is starving, or the one who will die without a drink? I hope and pray that Jesus Gospel would continue to be revealed to me as Jesus draws me more in Synch with Himself.

A piece of this sermon that I have been sitting on and has been transformative for me is the idea that Disobedience is so grievous because it is not taking a relationship seriously. I often look at disobedience as a step out of the rules or guidelines of living that I have been given. But in the context of breaking a relationship, it must be taken much more seriously.

Lord I pray that I could seek, and you would reveal to me the One who is Righteousness in all things! Amen

Week 5

Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

The parable of the good Samaritan is one of my favorites and one that I am often drawn back to. I have always assumed that the beaten one was innocent, but looking through the context described in this sermon all the more Jesus reveals Himself. Mercy without needing a reason why someone is suffering is the true mercy which God shows to us.

I was also struck by the third question Darrel posed in his sermon. Admittedly, Mercy is generally not my default reaction to the suffering. The gospel cut to my heart that when I deny mercy to the suffering I feel that I myself am not in need of the Mercy of God.

Lord would you crack open my heart and make me merciful towards all those who are suffering. Grab hold of my heart Jesus. Amen.