What's most important to you in life right now?
A different focus
When we start to pay attention to God, we realise that things around us aren’t the way that they’re meant to be! Getting in touch with God, as He really is, starts to make us feel uncomfortable with life as we see it around us:
Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,
and he began to teach them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"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.
(Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1-12)
• What is it that really matters to Jesus, according to this passage?
Which of the sayings would you find most difficult to obey? Why?”
There's a real problem in the way Christianity comes over to people today. For centuries, Christianity in Europe and its colonies was really political. It was about making people good citizens. And in the development of a consumer society, this was morphed into making people into good consumers. Hey, not only did God offer you eternal life: you could also have health, wealth and prosperity!
But when you have all these things, why bother with God any more?
The real message of Jesus is really different. It is about getting radical here and now. It involves getting inside the life of Jesus Christ. And starting to see the world as He sees it.
• Read the Prophecy of Isaiah, Chapter 64. What is the focus of Isaiah’s complaint and prayer? What does He look for God to do among the people of Israel?
The Christian way is a journey of change. God invites you to become part of it.
• Read the Letter to the Romans, Chapter 1, verses 18-32. What does it tell us about what happens to people, when they are not attentive and available to God? What evidences if any, as you look at the context in which we live, do we see of this in our context and culture?
The call of Jesus is to come back to God’s agenda for change and development in His Creation. The invitation to follow Jesus is an invitation to change the goals and objectives of our lives.
