"Heaven Help Us"
Sermon for Sunday June 13th
There is a very odd idea in Matthew 5:11-12
This is what it says:
Jesus said, "Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."
What is this?
How can we feel blessed when people insult us or when they persecute us or when they say lies about us because of our belief in Jesus?
How can we feel lucky when things aren't going our way?
How can we be happy with that?
I don't like people to say bad things about me especially if the things being said are untrue and I don't know anyone who does.
What could make me feel blessed about being treated poorly?
The sermon will take a look at what it means to be persecuted for what is right. It will have us think about what it means to do what is right and pay a price for having done it.
The sermon will also look at what it means to hold onto an idea of heaven; or some state of place or mind that has a reward built in. If we know there is something coming to us that is good we can endure anything that comes to us that is unfair or bad. Is that what is meant by this text?
Do you think about heaven while having a hard time on earth? Have you had to pay a price for doing the right thing and you knew it was right and you suffered for it but you knew there were rewards beyond the suffering?
Sunday we will think about the worst of times and the best of times. If you have thoughts about this complex matter I'd appreciate your ideas. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the "comments" box below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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