Upside-Down Kingdom Pt. 1: Rich and Happy - 6/9/2024

Pastor David Morrison Matthew 5:1-4 (NLT) If you study the life of Jesus, you will find that Jesus was counter-cultural, and was viewed as a revolutionary. The common thoughts of the day were often rejected by Jesus and replaced by something that may seem counterintuitive. It’s these ideas that we will spend the better part of our summer exploring. His words are valid now more than ever. Two things He addresses are wealth and happiness. Wealth and happiness seem connected in our culture. Two questions that I here asked often: Does God want me to be happy? Does God want me to be wealthy? There is a division on these answers. What was Jesus trying to say to us when He said, "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, they will be comforted." Let’s look at the money question first. Matthew 19:16-30 (NLT) - I heard people try to water down what Jesus was saying. Using the example of the small gate in Jerusalem, and research that this tradition began in 1200 AD. - The reason this isn’t accurate is because after this, the Bible says, "The disciples were astonished, ‘then who in the world can be saved?’" Matthew 19:26 (NLT) - Jesus is pointing to a fix for an eternal problem. - Remember earlier, He said, "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs." - It’s the harsh realization that you can keep all the rules and make the best financial decisions and that still won’t get you to heaven. As it relates to how much money and possessions, to be rich is "subjective." Even in a homeless camp there are those who are "rich" compared to others. In the wealthy communities, some are "rich" compared to others. Rich is a mindset that I can provide for myself; I am my source. Jesus is attacking a mindset, one that says I will make a way. The mindset of this world: If I make enough money, then I will be happy. The mindset of Jesus: / would rather you have nothing, and realize your need for me, than for you to have everything and lose your soul. Matthew 5:4 (NLT) - Happy are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God does want you to be Happy, but He realizes that true joy isn't found in temporary or fleeting things. Psalms 1:1-4 (NLT) - Happiness is found in the company that we keep and when we desire to know God all the time, not just when is convenient or when we need Him. John 16:33 (NLT) - In this world, you will face times of mourning, just as Jesus did, but you won't be alone, because I am always with you...for you to realize your need for Me. - I am your source. I am the one who alone can bring you happiness. So don't concern yourself with all the worries of this world, you will face troubles...but I will be there with you. Isaiah 61:1-2 (NLT) - This Sermon on the Mount is Jesus stepping in and proclaiming himself as the promised Messiah, sent to those who have been searching for Happiness in all the wrong places, sent to those who have placed their trust in money and the acquisition of stuff...and is saying leave that stuff behind and follow Me. Jesus isn't saying I want you poor and unhappy, He is saying I want you whole and new and comforted. I want to be your source; would you pursue Me? I want you to live for Me. I am all in on you.