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When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12)
Do you want to hear Good News? Do you want to hear Good News from God? Here it is! Jesus' invitation to those who heard Him that day and who hear Him today. It is Jesus saying, God loves and cares for you enough that He understands what life is like, what you are going through, and here is that which explains it. It begins with you who have just about given up on faith and perhaps even God; that's okay - yours is the kingdom of heaven. Those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, or a job, or a home, or a relationship; you will be comforted, by God Himself! Those of you who feel you've been a doormat for so long and people are stepping all over you; guess what, the earth is yours! If you're hungering and thirsting for those things you know are right and just and well in God's sight; you will be satisfied! If you're the kind who shows mercy to those who deserve it or not, God will show you His mercy. If you're pure in heart and seek after God, you will see Him. If you're one who seeks to make peace, God will call you His child. If you're not left alone and bullied for your faith or stance on faith issues, even lie about you and who you are - God knows better, and God's reward for you is great in heaven. Even those called to speak on God's behalf in the old days were treated the same way.
God's Kingdom is an awesome place and an awesome attitude to have towards life. The things that seem harsh and unfair in this life pale in comparison to that which is God's. It's for those who feel that things have not gone your way; God's in control and God's watching over you. Don't despair and don't give up on God. Hear again Jesus' words: "Rejoice and be glad." That holds true for that entire list that Jesus shared; rejoice and be glad. A joyful and positive, thankful attitude beats out all other things, and we and those around us are the better for it.
In other words, Jesus is saying, "¡Bienvenidos! Welcome! All who desire God, God welcomes You into His kingdom. No one is turned away. God loves you and can change your life right now. God will take away your sins, your destructive habits and addictions, and make you whole in His sight. Won't you come in?"
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for this awesome invitation. I accept and want to be a part of Your Kingdom here on the earth and someday there in Your holy presence. Help me to have a joyful and thankful heart in all things. Give me strength to overcome what I face now. And I pray this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Here is the video link to this message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuHiouU00nY
