THE WORDS OF JESUS – Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Pt 7

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 

Matthew 5:3 “

As a way of reminder, this series is saying that the Bible says that Jesus’ Words are creative, causative, prophetic and instructional; and asking the questions, “Can this really be true? WHAT IF WHAT THE BIBLE IS SAYING IS REALLY TRUE?”  I mean, not only without error, but literally true and factually accurate in ways we fail to recognize?”

Please remember, this is not just a study ‘about the Bible’ or ‘about Jesus’. This is not just a story.

The verses being studied are The Word of God (the Words of Jesus), being demonstrated in real life situations. These Words are for our learning, our rebuke, our correction and our training in righteousness, so that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

I say again, the Word of God, is creative, causative, prophetic and instructional, to you, for you and ultimately, ‘through you’.

So, again I ask, “what do these Words mean? And, are they true”?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit”. Matthew 5:3 begins with the word ‘blessed’. This word is so vitally important both to what Jesus is saying and what it ultimately means to the believer that I encourage you to take careful notice.

This word, blessed, as it is used here, translates as, ‘supremely blessed and by extension means fortunate and well off’. It carries the idea of these blessings ‘being long and large’ specifically when God extends His benefits and the advantages He confers.

Being ‘blessed’ in these verses describe a believer in an enviable and fortunate position from receiving God’s provisions and His favor, which literally extend His grace to you. This happens with receiving (obeying) the Lord’s in-birthing of faith.

What makes Jesus’ statement about being blessed so remarkable is what comes next:  “are the poor in spirit”.

Being ‘poor in spirit’ literally means ‘one who crouches and cowers, hence beggarly, poor and destitute. Someone who is both spiritually poor, and materially destitute.

Read this extensive description of what Jesus is saying about being ‘poor in spirit’: to be thoroughly frightened, to cower down or hide oneself for fear; one who slinks and crouches, often involving the idea of roving about in wretchedness.

Destitute of the Christian virtues and the eternal riches, Revelation 3:17; equivalent to helpless, powerless to accomplish an end.

Lacking in anything, destitute of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools afford.

Can this be true? You are ‘supremely blessed and by extension means fortunate and well off’, when you are poor to the point of having become crushed in your spirit, cowering in fear, destitute in all manners and means and without hope?

If what Jesus has said to this point isn’t confusing enough, He completes His opening remarks to this most amazing sermon and teaching, saying, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.

This kingdom of heaven (of God), is one of royal power, kingship, dominion and rule; not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom. Jesus as the triumphant Messiah confers royal power and dignity on Christians in His Kingdom.

These final words are spoken in the present tense. This is not a future event, but is now, in the present. Many Bible versions will translate this to say that the Kingdom of God is ‘near’ or ‘in your midst’. But, the literal translation says, “within you”. (“Nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21). This is truly more accurate because once you surrender your life to Jesus, the Spirit of God comes into your mortal body, soul, mind and spirit and takes up residence within you! (“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Astounding as it seems, Scriptures tell us that it is people of this class who most readily give themselves up to Christ’s teaching and prove themselves fitted to lay hold of the heavenly treasure!

Knowing these things is not enough. Words may lay idle until put to use. We must use these Words of Life. The Kingdom of God is within you, now.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT: THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? Pt 8

PREVIOUS: THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? Part 6

THE WORDS OF JESUS

Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Pt 6

 “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

Jesus’ words seem pretty straight forward, as He says, “Follow me”. But what if these words are profoundly, literally true, without any error and factually accurate in ways we fail to recognize? Without the proper understanding of what each word means, the context in which they are spoken and Jesus’ intent, we might fail to complete our mission as Christians and never reach the full potential that Jesus has for us! Now, that would be a real tragedy.

If we will look deeper into the language and look at the context of what Jesus is saying, we will find that He isn’t making a calm, polite request. His words are an interjection, and an emotional imperative command; “Come here now, and follow Me!”

Jesus is telling His disciples not to just follow Him, but to follow Him closely, as if to be leaning upon His back, peering over His shoulder, intently watching and learning. Ultimately, being closely identified with Him.

Jesus goes on to say, “I will make you fishers of men”. The word Jesus uses, “make”, (poieo), is rich and extensive in meaning. He is saying that He will fashion you, appoint you and ordain you into the very thing by which it is to be called. In this case, His disciple.

This complex word also has a dual or interchangeable use:  “To make into” and “To practice” (prasso). You will be made for a designated purpose for an intended, earnest and habitual, performance; and a definitely directed action to the scope and character of the result: Jesus’ disciple.

This cannot and should not be understated. Jesus is saying to His disciples, then and now, “Be aware. You are entering into an irreversible contract with God. You are to be refashioned and transformed into an object for My use.”

Imagine with me; Jesus looks at you and says your name, and says: “Come here                        ! Come and follow me, very closely. You will be become my disciple. Walk closely by Me. Watch my every move, practice what I do so you can do the same. I will fashion and transform you into my likeness as my disciple, and will make you a brother, a friend, and a child and son of God. You will perform and practice what I teach you, and there will be no turning back. What I make you into is permanent and eternal.”

How would you then feel? What would you then do?

He has called you. You have been transformed. It is urgent that you do not misunderstand these Words of God. Please know that you could likely be numbered among the Elect who will stand in the Gap, boldly proclaiming the Words of God, calling the lost and the straying, laying hands on the sick and the infirm, caring for the poor, the oppressed, the widows and the orphans and ‘Sounding the Shofar’ in the Last Days, if you will only follow Him.

May God keep and protect us as we work out this great and wonderful salvation!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

NEXT:  THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? Part 7.

PREVIOUS:THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them? Part 5.