Friday, May 10: Because great is your reward in heaven
Read Luke 6:20-23
Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.
"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets."
Reflect
The way of the kingdom of God is most often opposed to the way of the world and the way of our culture, which demand wealth, power, greed, outward happiness, and high respect. A lifetime of following Christ is a lifetime of converting one's values from the world's to the kingdom of God's.
Respond
Identify one area where you're clinging to the way of world, even — especially — if it's one you've tried to put behind you multiple times in the past. Avoid just "trying harder" and instead lay this practice or idea at Jesus' feet, quietly asking him to take it away. Then watch for how your life may change.