There are many images in Scripture which express Heaven’s purpose, but none more concise than this phrase from Jesus, the one we herald as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith:
The meek shall inherit the earth.
The powers that rule—and sometimes overtake our own hearts—consider the Way of Jesus a foolish option:
The last shall be first, and the first will be last.
The Spirit now calls us to worship.
The worship of God involves a declaration of worth.
So let us declare again the things that are worthy:
You have heard it said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies.
But I say to you, love your enemies.
Day by endless day the world insists that you are what you make; that your value equals what you earn; that your worth accumulates according to your ability to hoard.
Day by endless day the world insists that only the strong will survive. But Jesus said:
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.
Day by endless day the world insists that ultimate
power flows through the barrel of a gun;
that mercy impairs strength;
that policies of dominance will ensure a life of prosperity.
But we believe the meek shall inherit the earth;
that the last shall be first;
that the way to peace involves
the risk—yes, even this, beloveds—of loving enemies.
©Ken Sehested @ prayerandpolitiks.org. Inspired by Matthew 5:5, 20:16, 5:44 & 6:19, 24.