Up, Down, and With

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

“And he taught them, saying:

“’Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“’Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“’Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“’Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“’Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“’Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“’Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“’Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“’Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven…

“’You are the salt of the earth…

“’You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.'” Matthew 5:1-16

Once Jesus began His public ministry, He trekked by land and shore preaching, calling, and healing. Up and down, in and through and out, He proclaimed the gospel to individuals and crowds. He also made it a priority to get time alone with His chosen disciples, drawing them up the mountain and sitting down with them to impart blessed truths that would guide and fortify. They were nascent followers, and He knew all that would come to pass. (Matthew 4:17-25)

Such is the work of the Lord in all His disciples’ lives. Attending our daily way, He abides as companion, example, and teacher, and blesses us richly and particularly when we go up from the crowd to sit down with Him. Here, in His presence away from the world’s noise, we can listen to His voice. Here, at His feet, we can receive His anointing and instruction. Here, from His attention, we are strengthened by understanding and blessed comfort. He knows our proclivities and the way we will take, and is faithful to train, sustain, exhort, and encourage as we guard communion with Him. (Job 23:10; Luke 21:14-15)

From what do we need ‘go up’ to keep time with the Lord? What do we glean from conversing together, and how might we record and repeat it? What blessing from God have we passed along to another?

“Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone;
As you have so’t, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet;
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hung’ring ones with manna sweet.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things that you impart,
And wing my words, that I may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me
Just as you will, and when, and where,
Until your blessèd face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1872)

Amen.