Matthew 5:4-5 (NIVUK)
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
The beatitudes continue to turn our expectations and value-systems on their heads. It can be tempting sometimes to suggest that suffering can be some form of divine payback or ‘karma’, but it doesn’t work that way (think of Job). Well-being and prosperity is not because God favours us above others, and our suffering is not because he favours us less. The great news, however, is that if we are suffering, God sees and knows. He walks with us (think of the Cross) and one day will bring all suffering to an end. In a similar way, so often in our world today, those who hold the power can be seen as those who are blessed. Again, the beatitudes tell us that God shows no preference, but sees those who are powerful and those who are meek. Ironically, it is not those who wield might who will have ultimate power, but the meek (again, think of the Cross).
Thank you Jesus, that on the Cross you shared our suffering and overcame it, that you embraced our helplessness, and helped us.
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