Reflect
The Sermon on the Mount is regarded by many to be the greatest sermon ever preached. It is among the most memorable, beloved, and beautiful sections of the entire Bible. In it Jesus invites us to see life as he sees it and to embrace the privilege of living as the light of the world.
We’re at an important crossroad as a church. A wonderful new beginning lies before us as we anticipate moving into our new facility this fall. Perspective for us at this point is critical. We need to see things the way Jesus does. That’s why we’re going to be studying together the Sermon on the Mount between now and the grand opening of our church facility (otherwise known as the “re-launch of Christ the King”). It will breed in us Jesus’ perspective and encourage us to see the re-launch as an extraordinary opportunity to be the light of the world.
Before we delve into the sermon itself, we need to notice the sentence that precedes it: “He opened his mouth and taught them” (Matthew 5:2). What you and I need more than anything is for Jesus to speak into our lives. We need to sit at his feet and listen. As a preacher, I’m hard-wired to speak. I’m not a great listener. I tend to like to give my opinion and hear myself talk. What I need, however, is for Jesus to download his perspective into my life. I need to see life as he sees it. I need his thoughts to collide with mine and for his gospel of grace to transform me. A recurring phrase in the sermon is “you have heard it said...but I say unto you.” There’s a lot of talk circulating out there, but it is the Word of God that we desperately need. Like the moon, we have no light inherent in us. We can only reflect the Light of the Son. It’s divine Revelation not human inspiration that we need in order to be illumined.
Pray
As we prepare for this incredible time of transition over the next several months, let’s pursue Jesus’ perspective. Come sit with me at the feet of the One who delivered the Sermon on the Mount, praying that we might really listen as he opens his mouth and teaches us. Ask the Lord to show us where our perspective individually and corporately must change. How should we view differently our relationships, work, recreation, civic, and church life? Pray for the grace to change those habits and patterns of thought that prevent us from seeing things the way Jesus does. May he cause us to shine brightly as a place of grace, hope, and compassion. He is worthy! Let’s make the most of the extraordinary opportunity he has given us, and for his glory, may he bless us beyond our wildest expectations!
Leo Schuster is the Senior Minister of Christ the King Presbyterian Church.
Need of Jesus
(from The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan Prayers)
Lord Jesus,
I am blind, be my light,
ignorant, be my wisdom,
self-willed, be my mind.
Open my ear to grasp quickly your Spirit’s voice,
and delightfully run after his beckoning hand;
Melt my conscience so that no hardness remains,
make it aware of evil’s slightest touch;
When Satan approaches may I flee to your wounds,
and there cease to tremble at all alarms.
Be my good shepherd to lead me into the green pastures of your Word,
and cause me to lie down beside the rivers of its comforts.
Fill me with peace,
that no upsetting worldly storms may ruffle the calm surface of my soul.
Your cross was raised to be my refuge,
Your blood streamed forth to wash me clean,
Your death occurred to give me a surety,
Your name is my property to save me,
By you all heaven is poured into my heart,
but it is too narrow to comprehend thy love.
I was a stranger, an outcast, a slave, a rebel,
but your cross has brought me near,
has softened my heart,
has made me your Father’s child,
has admitted me to your family,
has made me joint-heir with yourself.
O that I may love you as you love me,
that I may walk worthy of you, my Lord,
that I may reflect the image of heaven’s first-born.
May I always see your beauty with the clear eye of faith,
and feel the power of your Spirit in my heart,
for unless he move mightily in me
no fire within will be kindled.
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