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Looks can be deceiving. We sometimes misjudge people based on their outward appearances, and sometimes we misjudge God based on appearances. We see a person who has it all together and we assume that the blessing of God rests on them. We see another person who is down and out or sick or weak or hungry or broken and we assume that they are not right with God.

Jesus introduced His Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, where He proposes a greater perspective on life. This sermon is perhaps the most stunning “turning of the tables” ever verbalized, as Jesus challenged His hearers to look at the world, themselves, and God differently than they had before. Those who assumed they had God’s approval were warned that they may not. And you may be surprised to learn who Jesus claimed did have God’s approval.