Characteristics of faithful followers
by Pastor Tim Klein
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
… theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3b).
Read Matthew 5:1–10
In these Beatitudes from Matthew 5, the usual translations (for example, the New International Version) use the passive form of ‘blessing’: ‘Blessed are those …’
In modern times, we don’t use the passive voice as much. We turn it around and make it active. We identify the subject and object (God and his people) and translate the phrase as: ‘God blesses those who …’ You read this in the Contemporary English Version.
These eight verses, known as the Beatitudes, identify eight characteristics of those who belong to the Lord and their reward.
Four of the characteristics are ones with which, on the surface, we aren’t so enamoured: being poor in spirit, mourning, being meek and being persecuted. We tend not to want to go there, even though we know they are a regular reality in the lives of Jesus’ followers. It is good, however, that each has its own reward – it’s won blessing. God has a specific blessing for each condition. Can you look back and see how God has blessed you in such times? Perhaps take a short while to reflect …
I invite you to step back from a close perspective of these ten verses and consider the bigger picture. As I suggested in yesterday’s devotion, as followers of Jesus, we are already part of his kingdom.
This is restated in Matthew 5 in two of these verses, though it is implied in all of them: theirs is the kingdom of heaven. We are forgiven followers of the king.
This truth is a great comfort and encouragement to us as we follow Jesus. It’s God’s gift to us in every one of these characteristics of our lives of faith. In times of trial and success, in times of sadness and joy, in times of struggle and ease – we belong to the kingdom! Our king, Jesus, is with us.
So, we follow, trusting, loving and serving – completely assured of our salvation. God bless you with this sure and certain faith.
Dear Lord, we thank you for your presence with us in all the circumstances of our lives. Open our eyes and hearts to see and recognise how you bless us time after time in specific ways. Let us know how you bless us overall, acknowledging the presence of your kingdom in our lives. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Tim has served as a pastor for more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand. Not retired but repurposed on 12 January, this husband of wife Joy, father of three and grandfather of 10 intends to spend more time in the garden, write some songs that have long lingered in his mind and heart and keep up with the activities of his grandchildren and friends. He also has several active beehives that need managing, with some still to be constructed and populated. Tim will continue his voluntary service as a chaplain with SA Police.
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
