First Things First

The Beatitudes are the beginnings of what is referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, which is the first recorded teaching of Jesus. The entire sermon is foundational to all that follows, certainly in the life and times of Jesus then, and all the more to those following him then and now. This sermon, these Beatitudes, are essential and critical teachings for all of life. This is the essence of the Kingdom of God defined. It has been said that humble obedience to the Beatitudes is the condition for entering the Kingdom of God. This is Jesus cutting to the quick, laying it all out there in its fullness with no pretext or pretense for us to hear, understand, embrace, experience, and follow. This is not just godly parameters by which to pattern your life. This is his heart, his character, his personality; all fully reflecting his Father. This is where he wants us and is inviting and calling us to live. All of life and its experiences—up, down, good, bad, and ugly—can be, and are meant to be, lived through the person and the principles offered here.
Perhaps it might be seen this way: Jesus has just entered into the fullness of his earthly calling. He has just become the president of a new business, if you will—the CEO of a new corporation. It is called the Kingdom of God. As is always the case, communication is critical to the formation, building, advancement, and success of any business. Thus, his first words—what he lays out, teaches, and establishes first—would be of utmost importance, of greatest value. They would set the standard, the foundation for all that follows. The first communication from Jesus are these Beatitudes. They are the first of the first, the most important of the most important. What they bring to the table are revolutionary to the twenty-first century. They offer a means of living life that is totally contrary to the collective understanding, the common knowledge of the day, unfortunately even and often within Christian circles. They are totally amazing and, if embraced and followed, bring not only a new perspective but a new manner of life. But this is not some new self-help concept, some seven-step model to a new and improved you. To the contrary, this is life as created, defined, established, and intended by the Creator.
One of the realities in this walk with God that must be seen and embraced is this: the standard Jesus is here establishing, and insisting on, is not attainable in our human levels of understanding, strength, or behavior. This is by design because at the same time, in the same breath, it is fully attainable because he is right here to help. This is a spiritual principle that runs throughout Scripture, throughout life with him: On one hand, he states the directive, the command. On the other hand, he gives us what we need to fulfill that command. What a wonderful transaction for us! This principle is true in the context of the Beatitudes as well. That to which he is calling us comes with his help and provision to accomplish. It is relationship. It is covenant. Several times in the Old Testament, we find the Father establishing covenant with his people. The parameters are so amazingly wonderful for us, the receptors of his actions. He is the activist, initiator, establisher, and pursuer. And then if covenant is broken, he is even the receptor of the negative consequence! The Beatitudes are New Testament covenant. This is full demonstration of his unconditional love and care for us, while in the same vein establishing his Lordship. When we choose to follow, to yield our selves and agendas, our desires, intentions, and actions to him, he becomes Lord and we live life to the full, in freedom and peace, in contentment and fulfillment, covered and protected by the One who controls it all.
* * * * *
In closing this chapter, I want to reiterate a bit. Walking entirely in the world of prautes brings several factors to play, in mind and heart, in life and lifestyle. There is a significantly deeper place of trust, rest and peace; one is much closer to the Lord and hears from him much more readily. One no longer is compelled to ask the “Why?” question; it simply is not a factor. One is totally focused on the Lord and not at all on the circumstances of life; they are in his hands. Instead, one learns to ask the right questions: What are you wanting to accomplish in me? Who are you developing me to be? It is essential to see in this the joy described in James 1:2–4, where the author is speaking to the value of this work. This is very difficult, no doubt. It can be and often is slow and long, agonizing and distressing. For Jesus, it came to the point of actually sweating blood. We do well to see this as it is intended, to see the purposes behind it all. Paul capsulizes it with excellence in Philippians 4:11–12 when he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I have learned the secret of being content.” He learned; it did not come naturally or easily. Content here is not complacent; it is not apathetic or lethargic. It is not the prevailing attitude of the day reflected in the word whatever. No. It is much closer to shalom, which is a peace that is all-encompassing. When one is living fully in shalom, all that is within and without them is at peace; it is an overriding, overwhelming peace that has effect on and in all. Going back to our story about Stallion in the story of The Horse Whisperer: He came to the place, he was tamed to the place, wherein he was completely content—in the pasture, at rest or play, and in service to and with his master. That is prautes…