Luke 6:20-26 (NRSV)
Read Luke 6:20-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 20Then he looked up at his disciples and said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Verse 21"Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. "Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Verse 22"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Verse 23Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets. Verse 24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Verse 25"Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. "Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. Verse 26"Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.
Devotion
Health and wealth, joy and comfort, ease. These are the things our world values. Yet Jesus paints a different picture of how the kingdom of God works. Those who are normally pushed aside and judged are the ones lifted up in God’s kingdom. Think of the grace that is for people who have had their fair share of hungry nights, weeping despair and the disdain of society! They're probably ready to hear judgment on the apathetic rich, the gluttons and those who laugh at them.
If we've never been in those trying situations, it's hard to grasp the hope of this full reversal. But if we walk alongside other saints and hear their praises of God’s mercy, we will begin to feel and share in the depth of their hope.
Prayer
Don't let me miss out on the kingdom, God, by staying safely in my comfort zone. Help me see all your saints and honor them as you do. Amen.