Jesus has something to say that may put a damper on the American Dream. As the crowds gather around him, he begins to talk about the people who are lucky in this world. the people that have it good. Were he to stand before us today, we might expect him to tell us of the Hollywood stars, the professional athletes, lottery winners, and Bill Gates. Because those are who we think have it good.
But Jesus speaks of a different dream. And it is not American. It is out of this world. It is another Kingdom. The kingdom of heaven. This dream says that lucky are those who are poor, who mourn, the humble, the hungry and thirsty people for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted. These are the lucky people in his world.
HOW IN THE WORLD DOES A POOR PERSON HAVE IT BETTER THAN ME?
think about it. a poor person is in the ideal position to be open to receiving fully what God has to offer.
We are proud. Poor people are humble
We are independent. The poor are dependent
We need no one. The poor need any and everyone to reach out and help.
We think we are important. The poor understand they are just a man.
We can take care of ourselves. The poor need someone to open their door.
It's a condition of the heart. Jesus sees their heart and says that is more desirable than the pride of the rich. Following Jesus is not the same as following the American Dream where you have whatever you want whenever you want it. It's not about climbing the ladder of success. it's not a race to the top. it's a race to the bottom.
it's okay to become successful. there is not anything wrong with being rich. The bible is full of the richest people that ever walked the face of this earth. It's not about your bank account. it's about your heart.
So, who is lucky? who has it good in this life? The person whose heart is positioned best to receive what our great God has to offer. Those who are poor.
We have a lot to learn from our poor neighbors.
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