The Sermon on the Mount
The discourse known by the name of “The Sermon on the Mount” is an epitome of the blessings that await the children of God, and of the commandments to be observed by them if they would obtain those delightful blessings. It was intended to be a guide for their conduct exclusively – not for human organizations known as “society,” with which it has nothing to do.
Jesus describes the characteristics – essential qualifications of his servants. They must be poor in spirit, mourners, meek, hungering after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and willing sufferers of persecutions, when such is brought upon them by their good works. With that fact in mind (and undoubtedly Jesus had it in mind), we can well understand that were it not for the few who rigidly comply with his commands and teach men to do so, the earth would become entirely corrupt. That is undoubtedly why Jesus, having outlined these characteristics of his followers – those who carried out the things already expressed, being poor in spirit, mourners, meek, hungering and thirsting after righteousness – immediately refers to the fact in verse 13: “Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” Salt is a preservative, and when applied as a figure to the saints, it means that their presence in the world saves it from utter corruption and destruction. The world calls upon the servants of God to assist in the defence of its institutions. It regards their attitude as utterly useless – indeed, as a hindrance to that object. It little realizes that their presence in the earth saves it from complete putrefaction, and that when they are taken away (as one day, and we believe, very soon they will be) – destruction and utter corruption will inevitably follow. There will be nothing left worthy of preservation.
The references to the Law of Moses are very important. Jesus did not oppose the Law, or in any way deprecate it. He upheld it, and came to fulfil it. He condemned hypocritical compliance with the letter of the law to exclusion of its spirit. Again, all the commandments that Jesus gave in this discourse find a counterpart in Old Testament declarations. Abraham’s dealings with Lot are a perfect example of seeking peace and making it. ‘Resist not evil’ has many aspects in its application, but David often acted on that principle.
One great lesson for us in our relationships, in our worship, our praise, our gifts of service and sacrifice, are unacceptable to the Almighty whilst we have in our hearts ill-feeling toward one another.
“As Ye Would”
If I should see a brother languishing in sore distress,
and I should turn and leave him comfortless,
When I might be a messenger of hope and happiness,
how could I ask to have what I denied,
in my own hour of bitterness supplied?
If I might sing a little song to cheer a fainting heart,
and I should seal my lips, and sit apart,
when I might bring a little sunshine for life’s ache and smart,
How could I hope to have my grief relieved,
if I kept silent when my brother grieved?
And so I know, that day is lost wherein I fail to lend,
a helping hand to my brother and wayfaring friend;
But if it show a burden lightened by the cheer I send,
Then do I hold the golden hours well spent,
and lay me down at night to sleep in sweet content.
Bro Atkinson (United Kingdom)
