Luke 6:20-23
Then Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “God bless you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh. What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.
Jesus. How He challenged, and still challenges, the definition of success on earth. Where we value education, title, position, wealth, and happiness, are not necessarily the attributes that God rewards. While there is nothing wrong with any of these things, God values relationship, obedience, perseverance, love, and mercy. Jesus tells us that there is much more to life than those things we experience here in our brief lives, and the rewards for those who persevere to follow Him will far outweigh any grief or sorrow that we may experience here on earth. Our best days are yet to come, and as believers, we must live in this reality, extending grace to all whom we encounter on our journey. When we look to eternity, our present sorrows indeed seem light and momentary.
Today’s author: Sharon Warner
First Thoughts 