Jesus spoke the Beatitudes in the context of and in contrast to the heavy oppression of Rome. The Roman Empire is often depicted as a symbol of power, oppression, and hostility, particularly towards early Christians. In contrast, Jesus Christ embodies humility, servanthood, and love.
Rome hungered and thirsted for power, prestige, status and influence. The Jews had been evangelized by this culture more than they realized. They longed for the day when their Messiah would come and destroy this god-forsaken Roman government!
The Pharisees had been so evangelized by the world that they themselves carried this angry, Roman disposition. Their religious hostility was fixated on the fact that the Messiah would be a descendent of Israel’s most pronounced military leader, King David. They were ready for some real action!
The Jews wanted revenge for all that had been taken from them. After all an eye for an eye was a verse they could apply to their upside-down angry disposition. They had their focus on a hostile takeover of a worldly system.
These religious people were so worldly in their thinking that they couldn’t even discern when their Messiah was standing right in front of them inviting them into a Kingdom reality that truly had the power to change everything! Jesus was introducing a counter-cultural humility that awakens true authority resulting from humility, prayer and repentance (2 Chronicles 7:14). Jesus was revealing a right-side up Kingdom in an upside-down world commissioning us not to be conformed to the patterns of this upside-down world. Paul writes to believers in Rome:
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind… AMP
Kingdom authority is born from humility.
Kingdom authority is born from humility not Roman hostility. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth just leaves everybody toothless and blind!
Religious anger collaborating with Roman hostility crucified The Christ. Jesus followers looked so foolish and weak standing there in the presence of their crucified rabbi! But God has chosen the foolish things of to confound the wise. He’s chosen the weak things to confound the strong. (1 Corinthians 1:27).
Seemingly foolish and weak followers of Christ would conquer hostility with humility. And even the Emperor’s private entrance to the Roman Colosseum would have a cross hanging over the door.
Christianity radically impacted the lives of those living in this powerful culture. Suddenly transformation from the heart was affecting government practices, legislation, art, literature, music, philosophy and every sphere of influence in society.
The church has brought about the most monumental, cultural transformation our world has ever seen. This didn’t take place because of worldly power. We, as Christians, are stewards of this movement in our generation.
With our country in the state it is in, we need to focus our attention on what God ‘s plan and purpose is for the church today as we usher the government of heaven into the earth! When heavenly government shifts, earthly government changes. This kind of authority is released by humility.
Romans 12:14-15 Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. (AMPLIFIED)
Christians are called to stand out by embodying the humility of Christ in a world that pursues power and self-promotion.
We want to focus on the sacrificial and counter cultural idea of sincerely inviting people into our love, our lives and our faith journey as the Holy Spirit directs us to do so.
A shared meal is the most basic expression of hospitality and this could be the activity most closely tied to the reality of God’s kingdom.
GP2RL: Begin praying specifically for people who are in your five-foot circle. Consider ways to invite them into your love, your life, your faith and your faith journey.