“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth. ”Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.” (Matthew 5:3-11 NASB)
Just in case you or someone you know thinks they don’t need to go to church today, because they will hear the same old thing, this meditation is for you. This week, as an icebreaker activity, our Bible Study classes explored this obvious opinion that is held by some people who have concluded that since they have “heard it all” over the years, they don’t need to hear it again. They feel like they got it, but I object to such an opinion. Let me share why I object.
Let’s start with some background. One of the literary techniques used by inspired writers of the bible is repetition. There are other techniques such as proverbial expression, parables, and acrostics, but let’s stay on the use of repetition. The need to be repetitive is not that a writer or speaker strictly using creativity, but rather their purpose is to accentuate a main and accurate point. You see, sometimes, we need to hear a truth reiterated so we can respond accordingly to the real-life issues, the tests and the trials that we face at a particular time. Let me elaborate. The same word sent by the Lord may speak to you in a specifically different way the next time because of the specific things that you are going through are very different than the prior time you heard teaching or preaching from the same text. Furthermore, and I could keep going beyond this, there are times when we have had failings, strayed off the narrow path of righteousness and we need an exact, repeated word to validate how we should let the Lord lead us and guide us back from the temporary visit to the broad path that leads to destruction. Okay, if you are still not convinced, realize that when you know the truth for sure, and a point is made, your affirmation, your assenting voice, and your reverberating amens in the sanctuary will help someone else know for sure that the truth is being spoken.
If you feel this was not for you, and you understand the use of repetition, forward this meditation, please, to someone who has that attitude that is alienating them from being in the assembly of the saints. Drifting is dangerous.
Now, to reiterate my point, I have provided you with two samples of the literary technique called repetition in both the opening and closing verses. Read them, not just for the technique, but also for the teaching. Oh yes! Get to church! Get to church! Get to church! Get to church! You still need to hear the word. Smile! Be blessed!
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His faithfulness is everlasting. Give thanks to the God of gods, for His faithfulness is everlasting. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His faithfulness is everlasting. To Him who alone does great wonders, for His faithfulness is everlasting; to Him who made the heavens with skill, for His faithfulness is everlasting; to Him who spread out the earth above the waters, for His faithfulness is everlasting; to Him who made the great lights, for His faithfulness is everlasting: the sun to rule by day, for His faithfulness is everlasting, the moon and stars to rule by night, for His faithfulness is everlasting.” (Psalm 136:1-9 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King