Blessings Below the Surface

February 1, 2011

Dear St. Paul’s Family,

A British couple named Rhodri and Angie Powell uncovered quite a surprise when they recently began some renovation on their house in Milverton, Somerset, England. As they began removing old wooden paneling, wallpaper, and plaster in their living room, they found what appeared to be eyes, staring back at them.

After peeling back more wall covering, they were shocked by their discovery: a 20 ft. high by 6 ft. wide mural of King Henry VIII, painted back in the 15th Century. Though the artist is unknown, experts believe this to be the only surviving mural ever painted of Henry. The only other mural painted of him would have been in the Palace of Whitehall, which burned down in the 16th Century.

The Powells were understandably stunned. They knew that their home had originally belonged to Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Taunton, who eventually became the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was in that position that he would assist Henry in securing a divorce from his wife Catherine of Aragon, which led to the founding of the Church of England. But the Powells never dreamed that they had such a treasure hiding behind within their old walls.

"When we saw the eyes appear out of the plaster it was a real moment," said Mrs. Powell. "It is a presence and you do feel there's just something there behind you looking over your shoulder. When people come in, he grabs the attention." [1]

It is with that same astonishment that the disciples must have reacted to the Sermon on the Mount. When Jesus delivered his most famous sermon, he began with a stunning opening, one that would peel back the façade of those in need of some serious renovation. For those who were spiritually impoverished, mourning, hungry, persecuted, and rejected, Jesus’ message was clear: Take heart. You are blessed with an image of royalty, hidden just below the surface.

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is 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 those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Of course, by the end of the sermon, Jesus would get to meddling. He would talk about the serious sacrifices associated with following him: forgiving those that have wronged you, loving your enemies, forsaking earthly treasures, not judging others, and releasing anxiety. But before Jesus got to any tough talk, he began with pastoral promise, designed to lift the spirits of anyone who couldn’t see beneath the surface of their difficulty and pain.

The Sermon on the Mount was John Wesley’s favorite text to preach, dedicating more sermons to that passage (thirteen) than any other in the Bible. In his first sermon, Wesley depicts Jesus much as the Powells described their painting of Henry VII: as a presence that you feel, and grabs your attention.

Above all, with what amazing love does the Son of God here reveal his Father's will to man! He now addresses us with his still, small voice, -- "Blessed," or happy, "are the poor in spirit." As if he had said, "Who is he that lusteth to live, and would fain see good days? Behold, I show you the thing which your soul longeth for! See the way you have so long sought in vain; the way of pleasantness; the path to calm, joyous peace, to heaven below and heaven above!" (“Upon Our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount, 1”)

Join us for the next five weeks as we explore the power and promise of these first twelve verses of Matthew 5, with a sermon series called, “More to Life: Surprising Keys to Blessed Living.”

February 6: “What Gives You Comfort?”
Matthew 5:1-4

February 13: “Have Mercy!”
Matthew 5:5-8

February 20: “Making Peace is Hard Work”
Matthew 5:9

February 27: “The Reward for Rejection”
Matthew 5:10-12

March 6: “A Future without Fear”
Matthew 17:1-9

Who knows? You may just discover that hidden treasure, right in your own life!

Grace, Peace, and Blessedness,

Magrey


The Rev. Magrey R. deVega
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
531 W. Main St.
Cherokee, IA 51012
Ph: 712-225-3955
http://www.cherokeespumc.org

[1] To see pictures and video of this amazing discovery, visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-12306904



YOUTH SKI TRIP
Back by popular demand! The youth group will head back to Mt. Kato for another fun day of skiing on Saturday, February 19. We'll meet at the church at 6:45am and be back around 9:00pm. The cost will be determined by how much will be raised on February 6, but it should be about the same amount as last year. In addition, we need adults to serve as drivers and chaperones. Interested persons can contact John Chalstrom.

YOUTH FUNDRAISER
To raise funds for their ski trip, the youth will be sponsoring a Super Bowl snack sale on Sunday morning, February 6. People are needed to contributed snacks and treats to be sold that day. If interested, please contact Sue Parker.