Our Scripture meditation is based on Luke 6:20-23, the Gospel reading for next week.
[20] And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. [21] “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. [22] “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! [23] Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
The “Beatitudes” sound like Jesus is turning the world upside down. In reality, our Lord is turning the world right side up.
This section of Scripture is called the “Beatitudes” because Jesus starts each statement with the word “blessed.” (Luke 6:20-23) The Beatitudes provide comfort for people who are disenfranchised, grieving or suffering from persecution. God will provide for his people.
Because the Beatitudes say the opposite of what we expect, it feels like Jesus is turning the world upside down. The poor are not disenfranchised, instead they are blessed to receive the Kingdom of God. Being hated is not a curse but a blessing.
In reality, Jesus is foreshadowing how he came to turn the world upside up. At creation, there was no starvation or death. These are the result of the world falling into sin. Jesus taught that there will be a new heavens and new earth, where there is no sin or suffering.
In another sense, we are doubly blessed. We are blessed by God in this world, even when we are struggling. And we will be blessed in the world to come.
Kevin Wilson 360 