Paradox of Kingdom's Life - Power and Weakness

April 5, 2013 - Luke 6:17-23

    ^17-21 Coming down off the mountain with them, he stood on a plain surrounded by disciples, and was soon joined by a huge congregation from all over Judea and Jerusalem, even from the seaside towns of Tyre and Sidon. They had come both to hear him and to be cured of their ailments. Those disturbed by evil spirits were healed. Everyone was trying to touch him—so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! Then he spoke:

   You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all.
God’s kingdom is there for the finding.
You’re blessed when you’re ravenously hungry.
Then you’re ready for the Messianic meal.
You’re blessed when the tears flow freely.
Joy comes with the mourning.

   ^22-23 “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—skip like a lamb, if you like!—for even though they don’t like it, I do . . . and all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses have always been treated like this.

Jesus' message came with the power of healing for people who had ailments and were disturbed by evil spirits. Even Jesus' presence was so powerful that people got healed through touching him. But at the same time, Jesus' message was so alien to this world and turned the contemporary worldviews upside down. Disciples of Jesus are blessed, though apparently losing, hungering, mourning, suffering for the sake of Jesus, as they receive the Kingdom of God, are ready for the Messianic celebration feast, have the comfort of Jesus, and experience the power and presence of Jesus in them through the Holy Spirit. 

Kingdom's Life of a believer of Jesus is always a paradox - suffering and losing for the sake of Jesus while at the same time receiving the spiritual blessings and experiencing the presence and power of Jesus. My Lord Jesus, teach me to be your disciple in faith, in hope, and in love - being with you everyday, following your example, and relying on your power to demonstrate the kingdom of God on earth by the Holy Spirit.