Jesus visited the towns scattered through the countryside of Galilee, speaking in each about the kingdom of heaven. News of Him spread, and people traveled long distances, bringing the sick to be healed.

But as Jesus looked into the faces gathered around Him, He saw much more than sickness and disease. He saw the unbelief and sin that kept them distant from the everlasting Father. He was then inspired to tell them how to live so that each day and night might be filled with joy and contentment. The Lord went upon a hillside and began to speak to the large crowd which had gathered.

Don’t worry all the time, the Lord said. How you live your life is much more important than what you eat or what you wear. If you think first of what God wants, He will take care of you, just as He takes care of the flowers and the birds. God is much more important than money, so don’t pile it up here on earth where robbers can steal it from you. Store your treasures in heaven and God will keep them safe for you . Why not make serving Him your greatest treasure on this earth?

This is only an abbreviated part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount; His words are as true for us today as they were for the people on that hillside in Galilee many years ago.

His voice was beautiful, His words true

The sound was melodious, beyond doubt something new

Never before had the people heard

The sweet simplicity of God’s Living Word.

The Lord is far greater than I know

So I wrote these words in an effort to show

That once I didn’t know Him or hear His voice

But now I’m awake; I can sing and rejoice.

Copyright 2005 by Jettie Hess