Unexpected Surprises

As you will know from previous posts and articles on the website, there are many direct Biblical references to God's ultimate reconciliation of all mankind to himself.
But there are also hints to be found in some quite surprising places; like in the Beatitudes. 

Although several of the Beatitudes promise rewards to those who seem to deserve them, there are two which give similar rewards to "outsiders".
The first one is

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[Matthew 5 : 3  NIV]

Who are these "poor in spirit"?
Certainly not Christians, as they have the Spirit of God indwelling them that surely disqualifies them from being "poor in spirit".

We might call these "poor in spirit" as the "the lost" or "non-believers" - those who do not yet know and appreciate their salvation has been guaranteed by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

And what is to be the eventual outcome for these non-believers?
"Theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
They are promised this great blessing of eventually belonging to the kingdom of heaven.

The second beatitude addresses a similar cohort.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
[Matthew 5 : 4  NIV]

Who are "those who mourn"?
Certainly not Christians, as they experience the joy of salvation and are looking forward to Christ's return.

We might call "those who mourn" as those who do not have this joy, or this hope for the future, or indeed those who see no point at all in their life and its struggles.
Indeed, not only are these mourning in their present condition, but are predicted to mourn when they see Christ at his coming.

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
    and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
    and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen.
[Revelation 1 : 7  NIV]

And what is the eventual outcome for these non-believers?
"They will be comforted."
They will be comforted or consoled; their anguish and grief will be dispelled by the compassion of God. Sounds a bit like reconciliation to me.

There are no clues in the Beatitudes about how God will handle these groups; only the promise that He will bless current outsiders as well as his followers.
But the how was provided by Jesus a few years later by his death and resurrection.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
[Colossians 1 : 19 - 20  NIV]

It's amazing how reading the Bible through the lens of God's master plan helps one to see aspects of this plan in so many unexpected places.

Blessings, Barry
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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au

It's Christmas Time.

Billions of people around the world enjoy Christmas and Easter holidays.
And about a third of the world's population are Christians who are more likely to appreciate the significance of those seasons.

In a few weeks, on what we call Christmas Day, that third will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into our world. The exact year of this miraculous event is not definitely known, but most biblical scholars and historians estimate that he was born between 4BC and 6BC, based on historical records, particularly the accounts of King Herod's reign and the biblical narratives.

But the reason for this event is much clearer, and gives rise to our enthusiastic celebration.
Jesus' life, death, resurrection and return to heaven were the events God arranged to reconcile the world to himself, and to no longer hold our sins against us.

Although this had been God's plan from before time began, and was forecast by the ancient Jewish prophets, it became a reality a bit over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem; so beginning a whole new era in world history. 

The other billions in the world, who haven't yet realised their future is so secured by the execution of God's plan, will eventually do so because Jesus dealt with sin and death for everyone.
That's why I wish "Merry Christmas" to everyone, rather than "happy holiday" or "season's greetings", as all are included in God's plan - and that greeting is also a reminder that Christ is the reason for the season. 

One of my favourite Christmas carols is "Mary's Boy Child", sung by the Gaither Vocal Band. Its chorus has the words:

Hark, now hear the angels sing/ A new born King today/
And man will live forevermore/ Because of Christmas day/
Trumpets sound and angels sing/ Listen to what they say/
That man will live forevermore/ Because of Christmas day.

So I genuinely wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a great new year. 

Blessings, Barry 

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Other published Writings at https://www.ibtechservices.com.au