James R. Edwards: Abundant love of God

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Looking at His disciples, He said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” Luke 6:20-26

“The blessings and woes set forth the way of Jesus concretely and directly, and in contrast to conventional societal behaviors. Those blessed are not “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3), i.e., blessed because of spiritual humility, but those who have given up everything and are persecuted for Jesus’ sake… The poor can be either good or evil. But poverty does make disciples aware of their need and dependence on God, and their physical wants open them to the abundant love of God and joy of salvation. Poverty is not a reflection of divine displeasure, but rather, like Pascal’s “God-created vacuum,” something that God uses to increase dependence on Himself, and to fill with Himself. There can be joy in their poverty for everything contained in the kingdom of God is their possession.”

James R. Edwards in The Gospel According to Luke (PNTC; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2015) 193-194.

As I wrap up 2018 with a few more meditations on the theme of abundance, I want to reiterate the importance of daily filling your heart and life with the abundant love of God rather than pursuing the things that society says will satisfy you and give you comfort and pleasure. The abundant supply of love never runs out. Do this because love is the one trait for which people should recognize us, because love covers a multitude of sins, and because it heals the deepest brokenness. But hear this exhortation with a warning.

If you give up your plans for your life and follow Jesus resolving to serve as a generous conduit of this love, those around you will not only notice, they might turn on you. Your obedience when set alongside their cultural conformity reveals their true character and yours. What will happen as a result? Jesus does not sugarcoat it. You will likely have times of hunger, weeping, and even persecution like the prophets before you. And yet, the reward will outweigh any strife you endure, but that won’t come until later.

So what’s my charge to you as you look ahead to 2019 and think about living generously?

Choose the path of dependence on God which opens you to rely on the abundant love of God daily and experience the joy of salvation. While others pursue their bucket lists that leave them empty, you will take the most exciting and hardest journey imaginable. But it’s one that will cause you to be enriched. If others want to join you on the journey, urge them to fill the vacuum in their hearts with the abundant love of God. That could be the most generous thing you do next year. With such sojourners, you will forge deep spiritual friendships that will last a lifetime.