Dear Family,
I trust that this letter finds you happy and content in the protection of the Lord.
As we continue to experience the COVID-19 together, it is good to know that we are all held in the loving and powerful hand of our Lord.
I hope you are all continuing to follow our reading through the New Testament this year and have found great comfort in the Gospel of Matthew. I was particularly blessed by the words of our Lord in what are known as the Beatitudes, where He declares blessing upon those who have come to a place of reliance upon God and His Word.
At the same time the world is afraid and depressed and overwhelmed. Why is that? Well it has to do with its empty philosophy.
To the world you’ll be happy if you are assertive, if you get what you want, if you eliminate the competition, if you do your own thing, if you are macho, if you grab the gusto, if you acquire all you can, if you get yourself rich, if you become famous, or popular or smart. But what Jesus teaches us is quite different indeed. There in Matthew 5, we find Jesus at the beginning of His teaching ministry. And what is it He says? He says the world has it wrong, very wrong;
MAT 5:2-12
“He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
William Barclay is quoted;
“The world can win its joys, and the world can equally well lose its joys. As change in fortune, a collapse in health, the failure of a plan, the disappointment of an ambition, even a change in the weather, can take
away the fickle joy the world can give. But the Christian has a serene and untouchable joy which comes from walking forever in the company and presence of Jesus Christ.”
The Apostle Paul says it this way in Philippians 4:11-13
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
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A Letter from Pastor Steve, April 14, 2020
