Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Matthew 5:1-12.
A). THE LORD’S CONTROVERSY.
Micah 6:1-8.
It is tragic when God has to serve a summons upon His own people. The “prisoner in the dock” is Israel herself, and the LORD is ready to submit His case.
The witnesses are the mountains and hills (Micah 6:1), and strong foundations of the earth (Micah 6:2). This is terminology which is familiar from the second telling of the law of the LORD (Deuteronomy 4:25-26; Deuteronomy 30:19; Deuteronomy 31:28). All creation can testify to His mercy and goodness towards His covenant people, and groans at the mess we have made of things (Romans 8:19-23).
The LORD is not beyond pleading with His people. Despite the offences which they have committed against Him and against one another, He still refers to them as “my people” (Micah 6:3; Micah 6:5). Love is not easily provoked (1 Corinthians 13:5).
In fact, the LORD demonstrates a willingness to take their place in the dock. “Testify against me,” He says (Micah 6:3). This perhaps anticipates a day when another would be judged in our place.
The fact is that God’s people soon grow weary with Him (Micah 6:3). They forget all His gracious acts, and accuse Him of not loving them!
So we are called to remembrance:
Remember the Egypt of your sins;
Remember Passover and Easter;
Remember your redemption and baptism;
Remember the songs that you sang at the Red Sea;
Remember those who led you in the faith in days of yore (Micah 6:4).
[Moses, Aaron and Miriam represented an ideal in leadership which had been lost by Micah’s day:
The princes were corrupt and corruptible (Micah 3:1-3);
The prophets prophesied lies (Micah 3:5);
Judges, priests and prophets plied their trade for financial gain (Micah 3:11);
The business world was rife with corruption (Micah 6:11-12).]
Remember what Balak devised;
Remember what Balaam answered (Joshua 24:9-10);
Remember God’s saving acts from Shittim to Gilgal;
Remember Joshua’s sending forth of the spies;
Remember the crossing of the Jordan;
Remember the first camp in enemy territory;
Remember, and know the righteousness of the LORD (Micah 6:5).
At the Last Supper Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). The sacraments are remembrances by participation: a vivid focussing of our senses into the thing conveyed. When we remember God’s history of faithfulness in our own lives (1 Samuel 7:12), we will see God’s mercies new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Such an impassioned appeal moved someone, in Micah’s rhetoric, to respond on behalf of the people. Since there was price on everything else, then perhaps the LORD could be bought off with thousands of sacrifices (Micah 6:6-7). No doubt Micah had his tongue in his cheek when he brought child sacrifice into the equation, for that would be more likely what people would expect from the false gods which they were so keen to set up in place of the LORD.
Nothing and nobody can pay the price of soul sin, apart from God Himself. Mercifully, He has now done that in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The only sacrifice that we are required to make is, ironically, known as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
Addressing man as “Adam,” the LORD makes it clear that what He requires is what He has always required: justice, mercy and humility (Micah 6:8). We must love God first, and our fellow human beings next (Mark 12:29-31).
As opposed to the haughty spirit denounced in an earlier chapter (Micah 2:3), the mark of true humility towards God is seen in our attitude towards others. Instead of abhorring justice (Micah 3:9), we embrace it. Instead of exploitation (Micah 6:11), we show kindness.
Good deeds do not make us Christians, but Christians will do good deeds. James 1:27 brings just two things to our attention as marks of true spirituality: the care of orphans and widows, and personal purity. It is our attitude to such as these that is the measure of our Christianity!
B). SOME RULES FOR CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.
Psalm 15:1-5.
Moses came down Mount Sinai from the presence of the LORD bearing two stone tablets on which were written God’s commandments. Finding the children of Israel already distracted by idolatry, he broke those stones, symbolic of the fact that God’s law was already broken even before they had received it!
On a second trip up the mountain, Moses hewed out new stones upon which the ten commandments were written again, with the finger of God. These were placed in an ark of wood, made according to the LORD’s own specifications. Moses was given specific instructions for the building of this ark, and for the tabernacle or tent in which it was to be placed.
John 1:14 tells us that ‘the Word was made (became) flesh, and dwelt (literally ‘tabernacled’) among us…’ The whole cultus of the Old Testament, from the sacrificial system to the very hangings of the curtains in the tent of meeting, was always pointing towards the One whom the LORD would send as the ultimate once and for ever sacrifice for the sins of His people.
After one disastrous attempt to move the ark in a manner not prescribed by the LORD (2 Samuel 6:3), King David at last brought the ark up to Jerusalem, and placed it in a tent in the City (2 Samuel 6:17). When we worship the LORD, it should be in the manner which He has appointed: through the Lord Jesus Christ.
We can imagine the careful guarding of that sanctuary by the priests in the liturgy of Psalm 15.
Psalm 15:1.
The question is asked: “LORD, who shall abide in your tabernacle? Who shall dwell in your holy hill?”
To "abide" in the LORD’s tabernacle is to dwell under His protection, and to be in communion with Him. It is the same verb as in Psalm 23:6 and Psalm 27:4.
The "holy hill" is Mount Zion, Jerusalem, but always with a view to the new Jerusalem, and to the community of God’s people in heaven.
What kind of life does the citizen of heaven lead? Their lives are typified in a brief set of rules, or guidelines. This is how they will live after citizenship has been granted (cf. Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 2:10).
Psalm 15:2.
They "walk uprightly." They are not bent double like apes: they are able to look every man in the eye. This is the commandment the LORD gave to Abraham (Genesis 17:1), corresponds to Psalm 1:1, and speaks of a sincere and thorough religion (James 1:27).
They "work righteousness," not only speaking the speech, but doing the deeds. We are made righteous in Christ Jesus, and His righteousness is imputed to us. This being done; however, our Christianity is displayed thereafter in the life we lead, and our fair dealings in the things we do (James 2:18). "Truth" has a home in the "heart" of the true believer. He delights himself in the word of God (Psalm 1:2), is sincere in his religion, honest in his dealings, and cannot abide false dealings in others.
Psalm 15:3.
Furthermore, the citizen of heaven guards his tongue. Much evil is does done through that unruly instrument (cf. James 1:26; James 3:2-13). The righteous, however, is not given to "backbiting”: neither will he slander, nor spread malicious gossip.
Psalm 15:4.
The wicked are viewed as "vile" by God, which means literally worthless and good for nothing. The Christian concurs with this judgment of the LORD.
The citizen of heaven "honours" whom God honours: he loves the brethren (1 John 3:14); and keeps his promises, no matter what the cost.
Psalm 15:5.
The word "usury" is derived from the verb 'to bite'. God’s people are against extortion, whereby they might profit at the expense of others. They are also against bribery, which is the cause of many a miscarriage of justice (cf. Deuteronomy 16:19). Rather they protect the poor.
The man who lives thus is one who cannot be "moved”: he is built upon the rock, which is Jesus; he is part of the church militant against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. Nothing shall separate him from the love of God: and he becomes like Zion itself, which abides forever (Psalm 125:1).
C). A CALL TO BOAST?
1 Corinthians 1:18-31.
The Apostle Paul has established that the preaching of the cross was considered foolishness by this world’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Yet God has rendered foolish the wisdom of this world by the ‘foolishness’ of preaching (1 Corinthians 1:20).
Indeed, the preaching of which Paul speaks goes beyond the cross to consider ‘Christ crucified’ upon the cross (1 Corinthians 1:23).
To those who are called, the preaching of Christ crucified is ‘Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 1:24).
This renders the so-called foolishness of God wiser than men, and the evident weakness of God stronger than men (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Calling has already been mentioned several times in this chapter (1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 1:24).
“For you see your calling, brethren,” continues the Apostle in the passage before us (1 Corinthians 1:26). This is a strong exhortation to behold, to look into, to consider our call.
There is a saying attributed to the late Queen Victoria, who allegedly suggested that she had been saved by the letter ‘m’! Then, according to the story, she cited the passage before us: “not Many high-born (are called)” (1 Corinthians 1:26). Her point, in the anecdote, was that at least it does not say ‘not ANY’!
Of course, there were those in the church in Corinth who had a higher social standing than others. Some, at least, were householders (cf. Acts 18:8; Romans 16:23). Yet many were people with little or no rights – and had no great boast to worldly wisdom either.
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to cause the wise men to blush” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Foolish things, perhaps, such as the whole idea of Christ-on-the Cross? There the weakness of God confounds the strength of men!
“And God chose the low-born of the world, and the despised” (1 Corinthians 1:28). God chose the things which are not (in men’s eyes) to confound the things that are.
In this respect, because none of us deserves to be considered by God in and of ourselves, we may NOT boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1:29). We cannot imagine that, somehow, we have earned God’s favour. All that we have is as a gift from Him.
This gift of “wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30) is summarised in:
(a) “Righteousness” – a forensic righteousness whereby we are declared righteous on account of the righteousness of Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21);
(b) “Holiness” or “sanctification” whereby we are set apart for God; and
(c) “Redemption” - whereby we are bought back from the power and corruption of sin.
So through the ‘foolishness’ of Christ’s death on the Cross - which was the ultimate wisdom of God – we are made right with God, redeemed by His blood, and sanctified.
We may, and indeed should allow the Christ-on -the-Cross to absorb our own attention – and we should preach it, teach it, and proclaim it to all and sundry (1 Corinthians 1:31; cf. Jeremiah 9:23-24).
By this, says Paul elsewhere, ‘the world is crucified to me, and I to the world’ (Galatians 6:14). ‘God forbid that I should boast in anything else!’
D). THE BLESSINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN.
Matthew 5:1-12.
The Sermon on the Mount is directed towards those who are already disciples of Jesus (Matthew 5:1). This is important. It counters both those religious hopefuls who find the Beatitudes impossible to keep, and those religious moralists who glibly announce, “I live by the Sermon on the Mount.”
In Adam we cannot attain the ideals of this code of life, but in Christ we can. In Adam it is as law to us, and only highlights our inability to keep the law. This teaching belongs to the Christian.
Sometimes the Sermon on the Mount has been the called the new Law. This is not necessarily helpful. We are not under law, but under grace.
Those who are joint-heirs with Christ do not strive to enter into the kingdom of heaven by good works, for they are already its citizens. On the contrary, they demonstrate their faith by their works (James 2:18). The believer is saved by faith not by works, but is nevertheless saved unto good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The poor in spirit, according to the text in front of us, are already in possession of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3). They are already enabled to fulfil the obligations of the Sermon. The rewards throughout these verses are rewards of grace, not of merit.
All the Beatitudes belong to all of Christ's people, not just to an elite few. These words are for the church of Jesus Christ, built upon the rock. These words are for the redeemed, for those who are salt and light. We willingly accept the blessings, but must also embrace the responsibilities.
The followers of Jesus are the poor in spirit, who mourn for their sins. They are the meek, who hunger and thirst after righteousness. They are merciful, and pure-hearted; peaceful, yet persecuted.
It is they who possess the kingdom of heaven, and shall receive comfort. They are the true heirs of the earth, and shall be satisfied. They shall obtain mercy, and meet with God face to face. They shall be revealed as the true sons of God, and are possessors of heaven itself.
To be blessed is to be endowed with divine favour. It is to be proclaimed holy. Some people translate the corresponding Greek word in terms of happiness, but it is much more than that. The pursuit of happiness without holiness is futile. The Beatitudes relate what Christians are in Christ, and pronounces the blessings which belong solely to them.
The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3)
The poverty spoken of here is not lack of bread or of rice. It refers rather to that humility of spirit which recognises our emptiness without Christ. Those who imagine themselves to have no need of Christ are sent away empty (Luke 1:53).
Self-righteousness prays within itself as if all its spiritual needs could be met through self-sufficiency. True poverty of spirit cries with the publican in Jesus' parable, “God be merciful to me, the sinner” (Luke 18:11-13).
The spiritually poor have the gospel preached to them (Luke 4:18). This preaching was one of the marks of Jesus' Messiah-ship. John the Baptist was reminded of this during his incarceration (Luke 7:22).
The blessing attached to the first Beatitude is present possession of the kingdom of heaven. Paul reminds the saints at Ephesus that God the Father has “blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ.” The Apostle views us as already seated in heaven with Jesus (Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6).
Those who mourn (Matthew 5:4)
Having discovered our sinfulness, we bemoan our sin. We confess our failings, and weep with godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). Whoever else we may have failed; we acknowledge that we have sinned against the LORD. Such contrition commends us to God (Psalm 51:4; Psalm 51:17).
Christians are no longer under the dominion of sin. We have been washed. We have been sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11). Yet still we have occasion to bemoan our failings (1 John 1:9). We need to have our daily sins washed away by Jesus (John 13:10).
Those who mourn thus shall be comforted. It is a wonderful moment when we first discover that there is forgiveness with the LORD (Psalm 130:4). We pray day by day in the Lord's Prayer, “Forgive us.” It brings a wave of relief when we know that God hears and answers our prayers.
Beyond this, there is the comfort that lies in the hereafter. For God will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 7:17).
The meek (Matthew 5:5)
Meekness is a gentleness of spirit, not to be confused with weakness. Weakness lacks power, and is liable to give way under pressure. Meekness is humble and considerate, but also has the strength and determination that Jesus showed in going to the Cross on our behalf (blessed be His name).
Moses was described as meek (Numbers 12:3). Yet Moses bore with the murmurings of the people of God throughout forty years in the wilderness, and showed strength where it was necessary. Meekness exercises self-control in the face of adversity.
Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). It is a quality found in Jesus, and so also in His people. Thus it is that the meek shall inherit the earth (Psalm 37:9-11).
Hungering and thirsting after righteousness (Matthew 5:6)
The righteousness of God is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the end of the law, the one to whom the law points and who fulfils the law within Himself (Romans 10:4; Matthew 5:17). We are made right with God (which is righteousness) through His blood sacrifice upon the Cross.
Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness have already discovered this - it is to believers that Jesus is speaking. The panting soul still yearns after God (Psalm 42:1). Having begun in faith, we must continue in faith.
The disciples are warned that their righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). Christian morality is more than keeping a set of rules and regulations. The Christian character is shaped by our relationship with Jesus, our continual supping with Him in word and sacrament, prayer and devotion.
Those who have had a hearty meal today still need to eat tomorrow. Whoever drinks of the well of living water continues drinking from the fountain of life which wells up within them (John 4:14). It is only in heaven that their thirst is fully satisfied.
God's people hunger and thirst after righteousness in the world around us, too. They are described as merciful. Having found peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ, they are His peacemakers.
Mercy (Matthew 5:7)
Christians are merciful because they have been created anew in the image of Christ. Because we have received mercy, we will also be merciful. We are the merciful.
It is in the nature of mercy that it is free. And because it is free, we will pass it on.
The same formula is applied in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:12; Matthew 6:14-15). First, we obtained forgiveness. We did not merit it. Having received forgiveness, we then become compassionate towards others. If not, then how can we say we have received mercy?
We are merciful and forgiving. How often shall I forgive a brother who has sinned against me? If I am still counting after the 490th time, something is wrong (Matthew 18:21-22).
Mercy is also demonstrated in our attitude to the afflictions of others. The mark of the Good Samaritan was that he was merciful (Luke 10:37).
The blessing of mercy will also come full circle back around to the merciful.
The pure in heart (Matthew 5:8)
The kind of purity that the LORD requires is not just the outward or ceremonial. It is inward, heart purity. We purify ourselves outwardly only when we are pure inwardly (1 John 3:3).
Our approach to God must be in purity (Psalm 24:3-4; Psalm 51:6; Hebrews 10:22).
God's blessing is extended to the pure (Psalm 73:1; Psalm 119:1).
The pure in heart shall see God. We see Him now with the eye of faith. But in the hereafter we see Him face to face (1 John 3:2).
Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
We have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). We have been reconciled, and are called to a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). This is not just for Apostles, or Ministers, but for all of God's people..
Jesus has broken down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile. He has received into His fellowship those who were strangers and aliens to the covenant of God. The LORD has made peace with us through the blood of His only begotten Son.
Peacemakers will seek to bring peace between themselves and estranged brethren. They will be humble and honest with those whom they have offended. They will be forgiving towards those who have offended them.
It is also in the nature of the peacemaker to broker peace between others who are in the midst of strife. This calls for diplomacy and tact. There is a narrow line between well-meaning well-doing and being a busybody!
Sometimes peace-making seems a thankless task. Yet if we are the sons of the God of peace, it is worth the effort.
Persecution (Matthew 5:10-12)
If we will receive the blessing of Christ, we must also embrace persecution. This is the emphasis at the end of the Beatitudes. Jesus teaches elsewhere that what we give up for His cause and the gospel's is recompensed a hundredfold – but not without persecutions – thereafter it issues in eternal life (Mark 10:29-30).
If we must suffer, however, let it be for righteousness sake rather than on account of our sins (1 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 3:17; 1 Peter 4:14-16). Let our sufferings be for His sake (Matthew 5:11). After all, Jesus has borne away our sins by His suffering.
Jesus warns us that if He has been persecuted, we will be persecuted also (John 15:20). The world still rages against Christ, and in His absence will strike out against those in whom He dwells. This is cause for rejoicing, says Jesus – for by this token we are proved to be who we say we are: the children of the prophets (and Apostles and martyrs) who were persecuted before us (Matthew 5:11).
Jesus reminds us again that we already possess the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10), and He promises a reward in the hereafter (Matthew 5:12).
Conclusion
The qualities outlined in the Beatitudes are not a rite of entry into the Christian church. Yet they mark out the Christian as surely as love, joy, peace, and the other fruits of the Spirit outlined by Paul (Galatians 5:22-23). If we lack these graces in our lives we must seriously examine our own hearts, and see whether we are truly building our lives on the rock of our salvation, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.
