BIBLE READING PLAN WEEK 4
EXITING OUR COMFORT
DAY 3
In our readings this week, we’re focusing on the key idea from Exodus 5 & 6: “Sometimes the most uncomfortable moments in our life are so we can find our comfort in God.” Today, we will read from Matthew 5 as we think more about that.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Reflection: Just because we’re trying to please God in the way we live, doesn’t mean those around us will treat us well. Jesus, Moses and Christians throughout history have been treated badly. Like them, we’ve got to exit our comfort and follow God, even if we’re not received well.- Who is someone around you you could show God’s love to today? How could you do that?
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
- How might knowing that the prophets were also treated badly help a Christian exit comfort today?
- Is your mind set on comfort in heaven or comfort now?
- Who is someone around you you could show God’s love to today? How could you do that? Pray for them and ask God to help you.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Reflection: Have you ever been nice, and it ended up not working out very well for you? Have you ever shared something with someone, and then when it came time for them to be nice and share back with you, they just… didn’t? Think of it this way – You have 2 scoops of ice cream. Your friend has 2 sodas. You guys make a deal that you’ll each trade one of your things, so that you both have 1 scoop of ice cream, and 1 soda. But when you give your friend your scoop of ice cream, they run away and don’t give you your soda! So now, you’re just sitting there, with no friend, no soda, and half the amount of ice cream! That would feel pretty bad, wouldn’t it? In our verse that we read today, Jesus tells us that those who are persecuted, are actually blessed, because they will have their rewards in Heaven! What this really means, is that when we follow God, and live a life that He wants us to live, it might not always seem like it works out very well. Sometimes, it might seem that being nice, or showing people love and kindness, actually hurts us sometimes! But Jesus tells us that even if it seems like it doesn’t work out, that ultimately, we are rewarded with something SO much better than anything this world has to offer – and that’s eternity with God in Heaven! So even though you might have lost out on a scoop of ice cream and a soda, being nice and showing love to someone is even more important than all of the ice cream and soda in the world.- Have you ever done something nice for someone, and it worked out bad for you? Are you still glad that you were nice to them?
- What is one way that you can be nice, kind, or show love to someone today, and expect nothing in return?
Focus Verse: Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12
Devotional:
In Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus is preaching a sermon about what it looks like to follow Him and be on mission with Him. When we follow Jesus, those around us might respond with insults, persecution, and slander. They will be offended. But don’t let that put you off. You’re joining a club that includes Jesus, Moses, and the prophets. Jesus says keep your eyes on the great reward in heaven. So whether it’s received or rejected, “let your light shine” for Jesus today!
- How might knowing that the prophets were also treated badly help a Christian exit comfort today?
- Is your mind set on comfort in heaven or comfort now?
- Who is someone around you you could show God’s love to today? How could you do that?
Focus Verse: Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:12
Devotional:
In Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus is preaching a sermon about what it looks like to follow Him and be on mission with Him. When we follow Jesus, those around us might respond with insults, persecution, and slander. They will be offended. But don’t let that put you off. You’re joining a club that includes Jesus, Moses, and the prophets. Jesus says keep your eyes on the great reward in heaven. So whether it’s received or rejected, “let your light shine” for Jesus today!
- How might knowing that the prophets were also treated badly help a Christian exit comfort today?
- Is your mind set on comfort in heaven or comfort now?
- Who is someone around you you could show God’s love to today? How could you do that?
