Image from hamptonroadchurch.com
Hear the devotional: https://bit.ly/4gznEgU
View here: https://bit.ly/4jJ8rga
17 He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coastal region around Tyre and Sidon,18 who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by impure spirits were cured, 19 and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. 20 Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. 23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. (Luke 6:17-26 NIV Bible)
Dear Friend, a most wonderful and marvelous Monday to you! May the blessings of God lead you into service to bless all! Prayers for our pastor Matt Pennington as he returns home from his mission in Africa. Continued prayers for Ms. Laverne Davis whose granddaughter died in a traffic accident. I met with her after church yesterday and prayed with her. As one can imagine this has been a most difficult blow to her and her family. May God's comfort be with all who loved her. A sincere thank you to the kind folks at First Methodist of Gonzales for welcoming me as their preacher for the day yesterday.
There are memes and videos poking fun at the reality that the first gospel written is believed to be the Gospel of Mark. It is further believed that the gospel books of Matthew and Luke were based on Mark's work. In the meme, three students are seated at the same table, the first one is identified as Mark, and the other two are Luke and Matthew; and the two are trying hard to comically cheat as they write as they keep looking at Mark's work. These three gospels are known as the Synoptic Gospels, with John being known as the spiritual gospel. This passage contains Luke's account of The Beatitudes, albeit a shorter version than that found in Matthew 5. The Beautifudes are all about being blessed. They follow Matthew's account very closely. Here is a quick comparison: Matthew's Beautitudes contain: Blesseed are those who are poor in spirit. Luke's: Blessed are the poor. Matthew: Blessed are those who mourn; Luke: Blessed are you who weep now. Matthew: Blessed are the meek. Luke: (Not mentioned). Matthew: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Luke: Blessed are you who hunger now. The next three from Matthew are not mentioned in Luke.
In Luke we see Jesus proclaiming blessings, not to the rich, the powerful, or the esteemed, but to those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and persecuted. These blessings turn the world’s value system upside down. In a society that often elevates wealth and status, Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20)
Jesus is reminding us that God's favor does not depend on our outward circumstances but on the condition of our hearts. In the midst of hardship, when we feel the sting of hunger, grief, or rejection, God sees and values us. The poor in spirit, the meek, those who hunger for righteousness—these are the ones whom God blesses, offering them a glimpse of His kingdom.
Jesus also promises joy and reward for those who endure persecution for His sake. This echoes the attitude we are called to have—one of hope that transcends present struggles, knowing that God sees us and will reward our faithfulness.
Luke also contain "woes" shared by Jesus, not found in Matthew. He warns the rich, the well-fed, the laughing, and those who are admired by others, saying that their comfort is temporary and fleeting. In God’s economy, earthly wealth and ease are not signs of His favor. Jesus is challenging us to recognize that placing our hope and security in the things of this world is futile.
“Woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.” (Luke 6:24) Jesus is not condemning wealth itself but urging us to live with an eternal perspective, not to cling too tightly to earthly possessions, status, or comfort. True contentment comes from being rich in spirit and relying on God’s provision, not on our own resources.
The words of Jesus are sobering. They compel us to reflect on our priorities. Where are we investing our hearts? Are we more focused on temporary, worldly rewards, or are we seeking the eternal treasures found in God's kingdom?
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You for the words of Jesus that challenge us to live with a different perspective. Help us to value what You value—justice, mercy, humility, and love. May we not seek the fleeting comforts of this world, but find our true joy in You. Strengthen us in our trials and remind us of the eternal reward that awaits us. Teach us to be faithful in all circumstances, knowing that our true treasure is found in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ strong name, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, reflect on where you are placing your hope. If you’re facing difficult circumstances, take comfort in knowing that God sees you and values you. If life feels easy, consider how you can use your blessings to serve others and invest in God's eternal kingdom. Ask yourself, "How can I live in a way that reflects God's values of humility, justice, and mercy?"
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
