FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2
Luke 6:17-26
Colossians 3:1-7

“… If ye then be risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above.”

BLESSINGS AND WOES

In this sermon of the Lord Jesus Christ, He described how men are blessed and expressed how they might sink into griefs. His blessings are not according to the world’s standards. Being poor in spirit assures a place in His kingdom, hungering for righteousness will earn satisfaction, weeping today will merit laughter, and being hated and reproached for His name’s sake secure blessings.

The woes of Jesus are expressions of great sorrow and distress. These result when a Christian lives in conformity to the world’s crazes. The prophets of old separated themselves from the world and endeavoured to seek things of eternal value. Jesus directed this to those who laboured to be rich materially and to fill themselves with the world’s cravings. He showed the gloomy future of those who lavished upon themselves temporal joys and worldly pleasures. Men who seek material gain shall never be content nor be rewarded. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Col 3:1-4).

Believers are to shun the world’s craze and fanfare, for these are of the devil. These will pass away and are nothing compared to the everlasting jubilation in heaven where eternal bliss abounds (Rev 21:4). We might be poor, falling short of the world’s standards, but we are to rejoice waiting for that life where we shall dwell with our Saviour for eternity. As heavenbound children of God we should not be entangled again by the world’s allurements. We must take heed of Jesus’ words which lead us to a blessed life not only here on earth but forever and ever.

THOUGHT: Do I take heed of God’s instructions for my life?
PRAYER: Lord, the Creator of all things, Thou art the spring of all blessings, the strength that enables us to resist the temptations of this world and the shield to protect us from the enemies.