ISRAEL - Day 4

A day in the Mount of Beatitudes....

Today I had the privilege to read the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5 - 7) to the group of clergy that I'm traveling with, in the same place that according to tradition Jesus gathered the crowds and taught the same words.



As I was reading the last words of chapter 6, suddenly an overwhelming peace came to my mind and heart. Jesus was encouraging the crowds not to worry for what they would eat, drink and wear according to what God does with the birds and lilies; and then He said... “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (v.33-34).

I have to admit that often I tend to worry about what the ‘tomorrow’ has for me, my family and my church. I have known for years that Jesus’ words are not a ‘free pass’ to the responsibilities, obligations and opportunities that God has given me to honor Him. I strongly believe that I’m accountable to Him and others in every aspect of my life, and I should live a life that strive for excellence. But today these words challenged me in a different way.

The conviction is not to live a life without worries...but to live a life that seeks for the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Therefore, my thoughts should be around...

Does every aspect of my life (body, mind and soul) seeks for God’s will?
Does the way I treat my family, friends and strangers reflects God’s love and righteousness?
Does my role within the Church advances the Kingdom of God?

God’s peace came to me when I understood that is not about ‘what I shouldn’t do, but what I should do’. Since where my thoughts and actions are, there is also my heart. Where are yours?

Heavenly Father, please enable us to keep the main thing as the main thing, and to live the life that you want us to do. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.