Wednesday September 11th: Blessings and Woes

“Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God…But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort…”

Luke 6: 20-26

To the unbeliever, these words of Jesus to His disciples seem contradictory. On careful meditation, however, it becomes clearer that the ways of God are contrary to the ways of the world. Furthermore, to the true believer, they would be incredibly deep and meaningful.
Are you profoundly influenced by the depth of meaning of these words of Jesus? As true believers, they should quickly grab our attention and challenge how we think. Only then can we be certain that we have received the message.
Jesus pronounces blessing and blessedness on those whom we would ordinarily consider unfortunate, poor and deprived. Simultaneously, He pronounces woes upon those who have their comfort and consolation during this present life. In summary, “Fortunate are the unfortunates and unfortunate are the fortunates”.
This is not to be taken literally, but rather, it is based on a principle that, regardless of our life circumstances, our present trials when shared with Christ, will bring about for us a share in His eternal glory. Amen.