Are You Happy?

N.T.#516 "Are You Happy?"

March 27, 2025 

Luke 6-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

Luke writes about the 4 blessings and 4 curses or the cost and benefits of discipleship. In other words:

1. 1. Happy are the poor in spirit, for theirs are the kingdom of God. (verse 20)
2. 2. Happy are those who hunger after spiritual things, for they will be filled. (verse 21a)
3. 3. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. (verse 21b) Tears are seeds that would yield a bumper crop of divine goodness in the future. (Ps. 126:5-6) Those who weep over all that is wrong in the world are more likely to commit themselves to making things right. 
4. 4. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (verse 22) 
5. 
   

We are to be happy when we receive hatred, social rejection, verbal reproach, and defamation of character simply by associating with Jesus. We will receive a blessing when we are hated for being a good Christian, living a life of testimony for Christ. Our reward may be later in heaven, but that will be worth it all.

LET IT GROW

Jesus warned against being people-pleasers. We are to be God-pleasers. Stand strong in the Lord. Put on the full armor of God so we can resist the fiery darts of the devil. Sometimes it is church members who sling cutting words at you. Is our shield of faith up so it does not cut our heart out? We just read of the divine favor and kingdom benefits that would come to Jesus' followers. 

Are we realizing we are poor in spiritual things, needing Jesus? Are we hungering after a right relationship with God? Do we weep over our sins and for the sinners? Be strong in faith dear one. God sees all you are going through.

LET IT GO

Let go of foolishness, laziness, untrustworthiness, unfaithfulness. 

Turn to Jesus in repentance.

Fill us with Your love and forgiveness, Jesus.