| February 17, 2022 We’re familiar with the beatitudes, we know the powerful words of blessing Jesus speaks to those all-too-often pushed to the margins and excluded. Most of the time when we remember them, we think of the setting from Matthew, the Sermon on the Mount. In Luke’s account of these words of blessing, Jesus is in a level place. The level place has significance to the account of the gospel Luke is giving. This is a place of great hope, of promise fulfilled. John the Baptist echoes the prophets of the need to prepare the way of the Lord, a level path, created by God. Mary sings of valleys exalted and mountains brought low, creating a level place where no one is crushed on the underside of society, and no one is towering over others but all are seen, known, and loved as image-bearers of God. Jesus steps into the level place to proclaim the good news of God’s reign of wholeness, speaking blessings on those who have been made to feel worthless, and woes to those who have convinced themselves that they can deem themselves righteous and worthy. Jesus proclaims the vision of God transforming the world so that all may have life and have it to the full. And he makes this proclamation standing on the level place, a sign that God is already transforming the world in and through Christ and inviting us to live this new way of life abundant right here and right now. Rest in the grace and peace and love and life of God with you. Blessings, Pastor Drew |
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