The Journey So Far
A Journey of Transformation
The past few weeks have been full. Exploring the beatitudes as a journey of transformation can bring up a lot of things. It sure has for me. Approaching ideas that are meant to affect the heart of the matter – that is our own heart – is a delicate thing to endeavor. As more and more areas of our person receive inquiry, as shadows are enlightened, it is important to remember how loved we really are. As we give some attention to what our part is in the journey of spiritual formation, we would do good to also keep an eye on what God has done, and continues to do, for his part. Practicing this disposition and contemplating these things alone can be formative.
That said, I thought I’d take this week to make some space to breathe. To take in, again, all that has been explored around the beatitudes so far. To sit in contemplation of the journey – what mine has been like, what I’m currently working through, and what I may look forward to – all with God. I would encourage you to try the same.
For reference, here are links to each of the beatitudes that we’ve explored so far.
If you’re familiar with the beatitudes, you’ll notice that we aren’t finished. There is one more beatitude, being persecuted for the sake of righteousness, which I will address in due time. When I do, I will update the link here so that everything is all in one place. For now, I think it is good to linger on our experience with God in our formation as we’ve explored it so far. This, ahead of addressing the very real costs that can come with following Jesus.
When we began this journey, I mentioned that I’d be speaking about the beatitudes at a local church at the end of January. Well, that happened, and I was very thankful for having explored many of the ideas here before taking the stage. Until next week, I’ll leave you with this video: