The Dismissal of Self
The Sermon on the Mount opens with the visit of new disciples to a young Lord. Thirsting for wisdom while learning devotion these acolytes of an almost unknown messiah quickly have any personal ambition assailed.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven... (Matthew 5:1-3)
In a mere heartbeat Jesus raised their sights above the ways of men to the ways of God. Heaven was to replace earth in their thinking.
The positions of favor with God reverse the positions of favor with men.
Once Jesus' calling to follow is gladly received (see Matthew 4:18-22) He next teaches His disciples spiritual ambition, the unpacking of earth from man.
Jesus knew that lives can never be filled from the world, but only by that which is not of this world. He explained to them (and therefore us) the font of filling, the satisfaction of ambitions.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6)
Lives are filled when righteousness is pursued.
Nothing can be important in this world when your heart dwells in another.
If you wish to arrive at places others have not been, you must walk paths they have not walked.
Today's Soul Snippet:
"The Man of Sorrow died for the men of sorrow." ~ Michael Cartwright
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