The readings for the fourth Sunday after the Epiphany are taken from Micah 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, and Matthew 5:1-12.
There are two kinds of power: power to take from others for self, which is self-defeating OR power to give from oneself to others, which is a benefit to all. What is the one thing that increases as you give it away?
Micah reveals how Israel, according to the flesh, gave only animals for sacrifice and did that grudgingly, as if God had not and was not providing for them. How has God failed Israel? God gave Israel every deliverance, protection, and advantage so they would know the saving acts of the Lord. What does the Lord want for all His goodness toward us? Does he want offerings of things? God gives without limit, so we are free to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly, which is the foundation of all beneficial living for the giver and the receiver.
Paul explains to the Corinthians how both Jews and Greeks have a multitude of advantages, but the corruption of Adam in them has turned those advantages into obstacles. God’s economy is not selfish, but wealthy enough to be ever and completely giving of oneself—Christ is the ever-living, ever-giving evidence of this.
Matthew records Jesus turning our thoughts right side up. Our corrupt human nature insists that blessedness means getting everything our way, for ourself, all the time. Jesus shows that genuine, enduring “blessedness” is not sacrificing everything now for the self-destructing passions of our corrupt human nature, BUT the sacrificing of that corrupt nature now for the sake of our eternal soul. We benefit now and forever as we provide benefits to everyone else, now and forever.