Week 23 Wednesday – 1 Cor 7:25-31; Ps 44; Lk 6:20-26

“Rejoice when that day come and dance for joy, for your reward will be great in heaven.” Luke 6

Jesus calls those who are poor, hungry, weeping and persecuted, happy. Those who give up their own ambitions and pleasures when they distance them from God. Those who endure persecution because of Him. He promises them joy and an eternal reward.

What does Jesus warn against when he says ‘alas’? Against being rich, praised, or satisfied. This does not mean that he stigmatizes joy, having any property, but those for whom satisfying their own desires is the main goal of life. For those who forget that all that God gives is to help them achieve eternal happiness, and not strengthen their confidence in their own power and independence.

Even in the circumstances we are in and heading toward, Jesus sees in us the possibility of blessing, its cause, conditions, and effects. We only see darkness, hardship and evil in it.

To learn how to see this world, an attitude to this world from the perspective of eternity. To see what is important. Let go of what isn’t worth the trouble. In other words, use the crises we are in to reassess our lives and to step along the narrow path to the royal palace.

Which of the attitudes am I closer to?

Jesus, the more I discover how needy I am, the more I experience Your graciousness. My gratitude and dependence on You is my happiness.