Billy Graham once said that the way to understand Matthew 5:3 (Blessed are the poor in spirit for there's is the kingdom of heaven) is to replace poor with humble. With all due respect, I think Dr. Graham missed the point. I think your story, Keith (from Mr. Chambers) encapsulates perfectly what Jesus was saying. Is it possible to believe that "Stewguts" is not of the kingdom of heaven?
I have spent a lifetime repenting of being one who foolishly persecuted the "Stewguts" of my community and I have often wondered if they were not the more perfect creation precisely due to the poverty of their spirit bequeathed by the horrid vicissitudes of their lives.
This is not to romanticize being "poor in spirit". If I am correct in my exegesis, then it is, as far as I can tell, a tough life. But that makes the telos of the poor in spirit all the more satisfying. I hope that it turns out that idiots like me have the tougher path to heaven.
I think you make a very good point, Keith. Presentations of beauty are important and come in many variations. For me, understanding the transcendence of beauty came with the grace given when I repented of robbing from the poor in spirit. It came with the recognition that they were the better people. And that, through them, I could be better myself. Life is weird.
Thank you for this. When I read Lewis's account of the miniature garden in Surprised by Joy many years ago, I completely recognized it, and the recognition itself was joy. Beauty here is a glimpse of the paradise we're made for, and for which we are properly homesick.
I love this. I often feel myself compelled to take young people and expose them to the beauty of God's creation. I never connected those dots, but it does seem there are many more to connect after reading the comments; these three just happen to be famous. May God use the beauty of His world to draw many eyes to the beauty of His Son!
Thanks for that observation. I perform shows for children about science. I have taken to playing some classical music before the show to expose children to some beautiful, inspiring music. Now I know why.
Billy Graham once said that the way to understand Matthew 5:3 (Blessed are the poor in spirit for there's is the kingdom of heaven) is to replace poor with humble. With all due respect, I think Dr. Graham missed the point. I think your story, Keith (from Mr. Chambers) encapsulates perfectly what Jesus was saying. Is it possible to believe that "Stewguts" is not of the kingdom of heaven?
I have spent a lifetime repenting of being one who foolishly persecuted the "Stewguts" of my community and I have often wondered if they were not the more perfect creation precisely due to the poverty of their spirit bequeathed by the horrid vicissitudes of their lives.
This is not to romanticize being "poor in spirit". If I am correct in my exegesis, then it is, as far as I can tell, a tough life. But that makes the telos of the poor in spirit all the more satisfying. I hope that it turns out that idiots like me have the tougher path to heaven.
I think you make a very good point, Keith. Presentations of beauty are important and come in many variations. For me, understanding the transcendence of beauty came with the grace given when I repented of robbing from the poor in spirit. It came with the recognition that they were the better people. And that, through them, I could be better myself. Life is weird.
Thank you for this. When I read Lewis's account of the miniature garden in Surprised by Joy many years ago, I completely recognized it, and the recognition itself was joy. Beauty here is a glimpse of the paradise we're made for, and for which we are properly homesick.
I love this. I often feel myself compelled to take young people and expose them to the beauty of God's creation. I never connected those dots, but it does seem there are many more to connect after reading the comments; these three just happen to be famous. May God use the beauty of His world to draw many eyes to the beauty of His Son!
Thanks for that observation. I perform shows for children about science. I have taken to playing some classical music before the show to expose children to some beautiful, inspiring music. Now I know why.