Matthew 5:3-12, Delighting in the LORD (5)

The last question we want to ask is,

III.                  Does the New Testament teach the same as the Old Testament?

This should not be a tough question, and our answer should already be obvious by what was said about Isaiah 55 and it’s connection to the New Covenant (Testament).  But by asking this question it gives us a great opportunity to meditate on some things.

Let me first go back to Isa. 55:13 and note one concluding line: And it shall be to the LORD for a name.  All the good things that God would do for Israel would be for the glory of God, making a great name for Him.  In other words, Israel would be a testimony to God’s goodness.  That’s the way it is in this matter of the “satisfaction of the heart.”  When all other attempts to satisfy the heart have failed, and only “delighting in the LORD” is the way it can happen, God is glorified.  We too, who have fled to Christ, are a testimony to God’s faithfulness.  That is why Paul told Timothy to tell the wealthy believers, not to be haughty nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17).  Likewise, James says, Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away (Jas. 1:9-10). 

In the NT there are two passages I want to call to our attention: the Beatitudes and Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

The Beatitudes, Matt. 5:3-12

This is how Jesus starts the Sermon on the Mount.  The subject is “happiness” for that is the meaning of the word “Blessed.”  And He begins with, “Blessed/Happy are the poor in spirit … those who mourn … the meek … those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”  Jesus’ approach to the subject is exactly the opposite of the way we normally think.  Jesus understands that a “satisfied heart” begins with bringing nothing but our emptiness to God in faith.  What is amazing is that He ends with, “Blessed/Happy are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”  The world would never say that or think that.  What is the key here?  God’s thoughts and ways are higher than our thoughts and ways!