Wait ... Jesus said What?

This week I read the lines “The reversal” referring to Jesus’ purpose in the world and my heart was intrigued.

We celebrate this great reversal when we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. But what is it exactly? Is it a big political movement? A revival? A series of miracles? I certainly can think of things that I would like to see happen. I’d like to see God’s power in my life and in the lives of people around me. I can think of friends and family who need healing, and if we’re making wish lists, I’d like a guarantee that my health will continue to improve. I’d like to start making plans for the future and be able to follow through. If Jesus can come alive again, and we celebrate that this Sunday, then what are my expectations for Jesus? What am I hoping will happen? I may say that I don’t have an agenda for Jesus, but when I read Matthew 5, I’m feeling the effects of this reversal.

Matthew 5: 3-12 Jesus says….

“You’re blessed - when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule. (Wait…Jesus said what?)

You’re blessed - when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. (but loss hurts!)

You’re blessed - when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought. (what if I find myself hard to accept?)

You’re blessed - when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat. (but I want God and…other things)

You’re blessed - when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for. (what if I feel burnt out?)

You’re blessed - when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world. (like the matrix?)

You’re blessed - when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.(hmm, identity, I do want to know my purpose)

You’re blessed - when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. (whoa, I’m not sure I like that)

Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.” (ooh, hard to give a cheer when I’m in it)

Do we see this as #blessed? Or do we cry out . . . “I’m not getting what I want!” “I’m running out of energy!!” “I’m weak and I need to be strong - quick, I have things to do!”

The gentle invitation in Jesus’ words above is to rest. We can stop striving and freaking out when we are not feeling our best, when we’re not bringing our A-game, or when we fail.

When we celebrate Jesus this Easter Sunday, let’s take a big breath … and exhale. Thank him for this great reversal. He offers forgiveness for our sins, fresh starts, and a life that is full, but only in this Jesus-reversal way. He never promised health, wealth and happiness. That’s a myth that we assign to him. It’s not true and it’s not who he is.

We can let His love and power shine through the broken places in our lives and bring beauty, power, and rest to a very weary world. Let’s receive his rest and share it with others!