Read: Matthew 5:1-12

Some people call these verses, “The theology of reversal.” Are the less fortunate really blessed? Why would God give a special blessing to the suffering, the poor, and the oppressed? What makes the weak so deserving of God’s concern and care? I believe there is a reason for this, but I wonder if we are ready to receive it.  

In this age of wealth and prosperity, in a country spoiled with gourmet foods, luxuries, and tonics for every illness, will we even hear a message on our need for dependence on God?  

Let’s look at the theology of reversal. There is no prosperity gospel seen in this passage of Scripture. “Blessed are the poor in spirit for they will receive the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are the hungry and thirsty for they will be filled. Blessed are the persecuted for they will also receive the kingdom of Heaven.”  

In Matthew 19:29-30, those who leave behind houses, lands, and family for the sake of Christ will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. The first will be last and the last will be first. This is the theology of reversal. Christ has established this foundational principle for the Christian life.  

Self-sufficiency and independence are prevalent sins today that can be fatal. These sins can pull us away from God. The poor, oppressed, and hungry people mentioned in Matthew 5:1-12 are blessed because they are led to greater dependence on God through their circumstances.

~James Baer