“Here’s the glorious news: The sign of the cross in a sign of God’s coming vindication for all who choose the Jesus Way. . . . So be of good cheer, dear friend. Following Jesus, even into discomfort, places you among the most blessed people on earth.”- Rich Villodas
Rich Villodas concludes Chapter 2 of The Narrow Path with the eighth and final beatitude. Then he lists three principles that show why following the narrow path leads to the good life.
8. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (Matthew 5:10-12). Above all, Rich cautions, this beatitude is not for the faint of heart. Because working for peace requires us to step into situations that anxious forces possess.
Therefore, true persecution occurs when people mistreat us due to our steadfast commitment to righteousness (justice). The good news? In the long run, such mistreatment provides blessing. So, Rich exhorts, don’t give up!
Finally, Rich distills these eight blessings into three principles. Most significantly, these principles show why following the narrow path leads to the best life.
1. God blesses weakness over strength. First, Rich asks us to reflect on the words Jesus stresses: poor, mourn, meek, and mercy. Certainly, the author quips, you’ll never see a magazine spotlighting those words in the Unfortunate 500 list of companies. Instead of the self-sufficient, Jesus blesses those who depend on His power. Who live with great tenderness and grace.
2. The good life is directly tied to the quality of love we embody. Jesus’ beatitudes insist that love makes life good. In the kingdom of God, the happiest people orient around love. Rather than accruing greater possessions or power. When you walk in step with Jesus you walk in the way of love.
3. The life God blesses is cruciform in nature. In conclusion, Jesus makes it clear that the blessed ones aren’t free from trouble. Instead, as the blessed ones witness to Jesus’ subversive path, they endure trouble. Thus, the blessed life connects to the cross.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you believe you’re one of the most blessed people on earth? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Virute signaling – public display”