| By Esther C. Baird, as written for the Silver Bay Spiritual Life Center, Silver Bay, NY. To subscribe to the mailing please email: pastoralrespite@silverbay.org When you are coming onto Silver Bay’s campus you know because at each entrance there is a big wooden sign with the Silver Bay logo of the Inn at sunset. There is one at the south entrance when you are coming north up 9N and turn into the parking lot, and there is one at the top of the hill (the longest hill to walk up if you have to do it a few times a day in case anyone wanted my opinion) by Paine Hall and the archery range. The signs mean you are entering Silver Bay. Everything that falls between them is part of the campus, and for members, all the rules and rights and privileges apply. Here at the last beatitude, Jesus finishes this part of his sermon the way he began it, with a matching sign. He says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Remember, the first beatitude was about the poor in spirit receiving the kingdom of heaven. The repetition would have been noted to Jesus’ listeners then, and still should be to readers today. They imply that everything Jesus spoke about in the beatitudes had to do with the rules, rights and membership privileges of those who are in the kingdom of heaven. Ironically, this membership will include, Jesus says, persecution. That word may conjure up images of gladiators being thrown to lions, or jail cells, or human abuses and mistreatment. And certainly across the centuries there have been those who have been mistreated and even killed for their belief in God, for their belief in the King of this kingdom. Even today, there are places in the world where the teachings of the beatitudes, or the kingdom of heaven, are not allowed – – where this faith, is considered grounds for death. And yet in America, for the most part, we enjoy a freedom of religion, thought and speech. That said, we’ve talked about the many ways in which the messages of the beatitudes are not always popular. A message about needing rescue, or about sorrow at our own hearts, or ideas of peace and meekness often stand in contrast to the self-reliance, self-important, pride and control that much of American culture values. Yes, we do enjoy the freedom to believe and live these principles out, but never confuse that freedom with popularity. If you are someone who follows the King of the kingdom of heaven, it may offend people. You celebrate and fight for the most marginalized when our culture celebrates money and power. You may find peace and success by admitting you can’t control everything in a culture that values control. You may talk about the need to be in relationship or right standing with God in a world that only wants to believe in the here and now. And because of those beliefs, our culture may call you weak. In fact, while this last beatitude is in verse 10, Jesus goes on in verse 11 to expand on what he means saying, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” In other words, it’s never been a popular message. But, just like when you are between the signs at Silver Bay you know you can expect certain safety, peace and joy, when you live within the kingdom of heaven, you can expect the privileges of being a citizen of this kingdom. Even while going about our every day lives, driving, working, making dinners, going to meetings, paying bills, running errands, we can still have a bigger sense of safety, peace and joy. We’re between the signs. We’re in the kingdom. And if you aren’t, if you know that you live outside this kingdom, and you don’t feel a bigger sense of peace, safety and joy, then know you are invited. The King of this kingdom starts this whole list of beatitudes out by extending an invitation of rescue. If that’s you, go back and read the beatitudes. All of them in Matthew 5 and know it is a life that is fully open to you. Come join us between the signs, and the King will call you blessed. |
| Extra Reading: If you want to read more, I’d encourage you to read Matthew 5 again, to read the beatitudes in context and to see what Jesus says next in his Sermon on the Mount. Any translation will do, though I often find the New Living Translation to be an easy one to follow (you can use biblegateway.com to get quick free access to different translations). |
