In Luke 6:12-26, having prayed all night, Jesus chooses twelve men, whom he names apostles, and then preaches 'The Sermon on the Plain'. This week we will look at the first section of this sermon: The Beatitudes and Woes. This sermon contains far more than mere light-hearted words from a philosophical teacher promoting an option for moral living and encouragement to the downhearted. They are the true reality of life in the kingdom of God from the King - the Son of Man, himself. As Matthew reports in his 'Sermon on the Mount', we are to 'seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness', relying upon God for all our needs which he will graciously and generously provide. Our joy in, and assurance of, God's blessings are not to be based upon worldly pleasures and fulfilment, but in his covenant faithfulness and promises of eternal life in his kingdom through Christ Jesus. We look forward to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, which is kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:3-5). To substitute this for the fleeting pleasures of this world would be ludicrous. Yet that is the temptation we face every day with the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and the pride of possessions. Pray that we might hear and heed these words of our Lord as we gather together.
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Ray is Senior Pastor at Coromandel Baptist Church, South Australia. Before being appointed to this role in January 2012 and during his years of theological study at the Bible College of South Australia, Ray was Student Pastor at the church. Prior to this he was a high school...
