This morning I’ve been awake since 5 a.m., quite unusual for me since I’m not an early morning person. I prayed, did some work for a friend, checked email, made Leah and me some eggs, and sat down to read the Bible awhile. I found a passage in Matthew 5:1-3, which spoke to me and I want to share it with you today. This passage comes from The Message version, one of my favorite versions:
“When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule.”
It goes on with the beatitudes, which I’ll share more about on another day, but there is so much meat in this one passage! So, are you:
* An apprentice to Jesus?The Webster dictionary defines “apprentice” as one bound by indenture to serve another; one who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers – a calling. Are you serving Christ, self, or other things? Are you learning by practical experience under His wise teaching and skill?
* Committed? Are you fully committed to God? Are you going where Jesus says to go and doing what He says to do? Are you climbing higher with Him, or staying stuck in the same, familiar place (that isn’t working!)? Jesus exhorts you and me to come higher, to grow in faith, and to produce the fruit of His Spirit in our lives, in order become more like Him each day.
* Finding a quiet place each day with Jesus? Setting aside time every day with God and His word? After they’d climbed, Jesus taught his friends who had climbed with him, sharing things that were on his heart. I’m sure it was well-worth the climb!
* At the end of your rope? Overwhelmed? Stressed out? Then you’re in good company. In fact, Jesus said you’re BLESSED when this is where you’re at! Now God has room for more of Himself. 🙂 God, may there be less of me today and much more of You…
What did you get out of this passage? I’d love to hear your comments below.
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