The Applause of Heaven - Max Lucado [22]
The first two steps are admittance of inadequacy and repentance for pride. The next step is the one of renewal: "Blessed are the meek...." Realization of weakness leads to the source of strength-God. And renewal comes when we become meek-when we give our lives to God to be his tool.
The first two beatitudes pass us through the fire of purification; the third places us in the hands of the Master.
The result of this process? Courage: ". . . they shall inherit the earth." No longer shall the earth and its fears dominate us, for we follow the one who dominates the earth.
Could you use some courage? Are you backing down more than you are standing up? If so, let the Master lead you up the mountain again. Let him remind you why you should "fear not." Listen to the time Jesus scattered the butterflies out of the stomachs of his nervous disciples and see if his words help you.'
We need to remember that the disciples were common men given a compelling task. Before they were the stainedglassed saints in the windows of cathedrals, they were somebody's next-door-neighbors trying to make a living and raise a family. They weren't cut from theological cloth or raised on supernatural milk. But they were an ounce more devoted than they were afraid and, as a result, did some extraordinary things.
They would have done nothing, however, had they not learned to face their fears. Jesus knew that. That is why he spoke his words of courage.
The disciples are being sent out on their own. For a limited time they will go into the cities and do what Jesus has done-but without Jesus. Jesus assembles them to give them the final instructions. Perhaps the disciples look nervous, for they have reason to be nervous. What Jesus tells them would raise the pulse rate of the stoutest heart.
First Jesus tells them not to take any extra money or extra clothing on their journey.
"No money?"
Then he assures them that they are being sent out "like sheep among wolves."
"Uh, what do you mean, Jesus?"
His answer is not reassuring. He tells them they will be taken before the authorities (uh-oh), flogged (ouch), and arrested (groan).
And it gets worse before it gets better.
Jesus goes on to describe the impact their mission will have on people: "Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."'
Some eyes duck. Some eyes widen. Someone swallows. Feet shift. A brow is wiped. And though no one says it, you know someone is thinking, Is it too late to get out of this?"
That's the setting for Jesus' paragraph on courage. Three times in five verses? he says, "Do not be afraid." Read the words and see his call and cause for courage. See the reason you should sleep well tonight:
"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known."'
On the surface, those words would seem like a reason for panic rather than a source of peace. Who of us would like to have our secret thoughts made public? Who would want our private sins published? Who would get excited over the idea that every wrong deed we've ever done will be announced to everyone?
You're right, no one would. But we're told over and over that such a thing will happen:
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.
But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.
He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts.-
To think of the disclosure of my hidden