I photographed this picture in 1976. Straight ahead is where Jesus delivered The Sermon on the Mount. At that time it was not much different than the 2000 years ago.
As a director and producer in the world of video and film, one applies a fundamental technique in telling a story to make an emotional connection; that is developing a specific "point of view." The director changes the camera's point of view with a purpose; to produce particular emotions and thoughts in the audience.
When we interpret or teach scripture, we can also apply the technique of POV (point of view). Picture Zacchaeus, the tax collector who passionately climbs a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus amidst the crowd (his POV). From the tree's height, with a shot over Zacchaeus' shoulder, as Zacchaeus nervously holds on to the limb, we observe Jesus in the crowd below. This POV conveys the length a person will go to satisfy his desire to see the Master. Now envision Jesus looking up the tree and viewing Zacchaeus from the ground (Jesus' POV). The shot shows the Master is emotionally moved at the effort Zacchaeus makes. Zacchaeus, wide-eyed, looks down with a tear on his cheek, desiring to be with Jesus. Got it?
How about God's POV of His creation, humankind?
Here is one of the most famous passages in the Bible that give us God's POV of His beloved, taken from the Beatitudes in Matthew. Hopefully, this will provide insight into how God perceives His Creation and who He desires to bless. I have inserted words (blue) between each statement to give some clarity and understanding to the profound and timeless words of Jesus. I hope this helps.
Blessed are the poor in spirit… for with vision, you realize you are truly poor without God, without His Spirit within you. When you do... then yours is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn… for when they make a decision to die to what they want, what they feel, and what they think, and truly do God's will… they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek… who discipline themselves to show patience, humility, order, gentleness amidst adversity then… they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness… so much so that they desire to do what is right even when no one is looking, then… they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful… for those who do not lawfully retaliate for the sake of personal justice but show compassion on the less fortunate… for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart… for those who do more than speak words of truth but who make the commitment to live as if those words are a part of their very being… for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers... for those who have the courage to resist the temptation to point out flaws of others when they are flawed… for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness… and continue to believe in their loving Father, the Word, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit yet still are persecuted… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
True success (God's peace within) comes to each of us as we understand God's point of view toward His beloved; when we develop His character attributes of Vision, Decision, Discipline, Desire, Compassion, Commitment, and Courage, and continue to believe and act on His Word under adversity and persecution. When we do, we will prosper and have true success on our earthly journey.
If perchance, if you feel persecuted, or beaten down for your Faith, stand firm and show compassion on those who do not know how blessed you are in the eyes and heart of the Master. Know God will bless you as you possess the attitude of the words above and experience His Word(s) as the heaven-bound lifeline to eternity. Blessed are believers with His unmerited favor toward them... for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Keep the Faith,
Domenic
From the series The Articles of Transformation
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