Sunday, January 05, 2014

The Eagle has crashed

"Now when he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain and after he sat down, his disciples approached him. And opening his mouth he began to teach them, saying,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the ones who mourn,
    because they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    because they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are the ones who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    because they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
    because they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    because they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    because they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    because theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you
    when they insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you, lying on account of me.Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you." Matt 5


This is not a roll call of the righteous.  This is not a who's who of the winners of the world.

"For consider your calling, brothers, that not many were wise according to human standards, not many were powerful, not many were well born. But the foolish things of the world God chose in order that he might put to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world God chose in order that he might put to shame the strong, and the insignificant of the world, and the despised, God chose, the things that are not, in order that he might abolish the things that are, so that all flesh may not boast before God. But from him you are in Christ Jesus, who became wisdom to us from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “The one who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.”" 1 Cor

It is good the Eagles lost last night.  It has reminded me again that God does not help those who help themselves.  God saves the helpless.  Jesus came to save the losers.  And it is to the degree that we know our failure and our worthlessness that we will know his love and grace.  The only chest thumping Jesus condones is...

"But the tax collector, standing far away, did not want even to raise his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’" Luke 18

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