Orlando—A Word to Believers

What happened in Orlando is indescribably tragic. I don’t want to be a part of piling tragic on top of tragic. I want to peel away the layers of politics, lifestyle, opinion, conviction, argument, and Facebook memes. I want to look away from the mass media as they tell me how to feel, what to think and on what fact or study or poll I should base my personal actions. As I read through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 what stands out to me this evening is what’s missing. Blessed are the poor in spirit because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. This means blessed are those who recognize their sin before a holy God. Blessed are those who mourn, because they will be comforted. Blessed are the people who are heartbroken over their own sin. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness sake, because they will be filled. Blessed are the people who, after recognizing personal sin and respond in heartbreak turn to Jesus to be The One who will create in them a clean heart before God. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the people who, once they have tasted of God’s mercy, show mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the people whose motives are good and right, whose heart strives to please God first. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are the people who look to live in peace with the people around them; they do not cause strife and do not fan the flame of anger and discontentment. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are the people who are willing to stand for what is biblically right even if it means they are hated or harmed because of it. These truths were taught by Jesus to His disciples. He told the people who followed him the importance of being satisfied in God alone. Many people want to replace “blessed” with “happy.” I don’t believe that is accurate. Happiness is “ME” centered. What Jesus taught in Matthew 5 isn’t about happiness. It’s about contentment in HIM. So what’s missing? The exemptions. Blessed are . . . Unless you are a Democrat Unless you grew up in the church Unless you are on the Trump Train Unless you attend church Unless you have traveled the world Unless you have been deeply hurt by someone Unless you are prolife No, there are no exemptions. The Beatitudes apply to each and every believer in Jesus. The Beatitudes were given so we could remember: 1. We are all sinners, not one of us less a sinner than the next. 2. Jesus lived and died and lives again so anyone who believes can have a relationship with Him. 3. Because mercy and grace has been shown to us, God requires us to show mercy and grace to others. My heart aches for the families of those murdered in Orlando. Let’s not turn this into a platform for politics. Let’s not allow it to be used to push an agenda. Let’s remember evil deeds are the mastermind of the evil one. We can separate ourselves from him further by refusing to be a part of the fray. Instead, we can pray for those who are hurting. We can refuse to be a part of the social media cesspool. I’m tired of the way we throw rocks at each other. I don’t want to be a part of piling tragic on top of tragic. God help us. God help me.