Matthew_5
Scripture
Matthew 5:4,6,14a,16b4 Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted….6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled.….14 “You are the light of the world. 16 …let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Observation
This chapter, and the two that follow it, are a sermon; a famous sermon; the sermon upon the mount. It is the longest and fullest continued discourse of our Saviour that we have upon record in all the gospels. It is a practical discourse…Excerpt from Matthew Henry Commentary of the Whole Bible: Matthew 5: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/matthew/5.html
Understanding
I’m sure like most people in Santa Clarita right now, everything brings you back to the incident that took place on Thursday...where, our city – typically known for better schools, great bike trails and Magic Mountain – became the most recent in the headlines for a school shooting. As a result, our entire city is in mourning.It’s unlikely that anyone experiencing this mourning would consider themselves “blessed” in the mourning part of their feelings and I won’t project that we should find the “blessing” in this situation. There’s not one; our town if forever marked, people have permanently lost loved ones and students and parents who once felt safe are experiencing unexpected fear and anxiety.However, as we continue to come together as a community, there is a focus on loving one another, providing comfort where we can. Now, as much as ever if not more, we are called to be God’s hands and feet – extending love, comfort, mercy, kindness…Verse 14-16 says, we are the light of the world. It’s times like these where we need to shine brightest. Being cognizant of the need to seek God, get filled up so we can pour out his love, grace, kindness, mercy on those we meet.
Life Application
This is not a call to rush the mourning process. People grieve and mourn differently. People in/of/around our city have been impacted differently, are affected differently, experience emotion differently. May we give ourselves and those we encounter space to grieve, mourn, experience this tragic incident in the time and way they need…but may we also look as often as we can to be a light in the world – whether it be a lamp, a spotlight, a flickering candle, whatever the situation deems appropriate – to let people know they are seen and loved, not just by us but by God.God, tragedies are always hard to comprehend; remind us that you are here with us now. Be with those who are questioning you. Be with those that are calling out to you. Be with those who feel betrayed by you. Be with those who are fearful. Be with those who feel broken. Continue to rebuild the pieces of our city, make your presence and power known. Fill us up and empty us out as many times as it takes to touch everyone in our community with your love. May we seek you, find you and love you even more in the process. In your name we pray, Amen.Rei To check out the discussion or to join in click here.