Subtraction for Multiplication’s Sake

“You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all. God’s Kingdom is there for the finding.” (Luke 6:20 MSG)

A dear friend of mine has been talking to me about loss; how a fire survivor has to figure out a way to go forward with nothing but memories. We had this huge discussion via Vox just yesterday and then this morning I discover this verse in my reading. There is a blessing in loss that can’t come by any other means.

Church of the Beatitudes.

This scripture is part of the Beatitudes and the Beatitudes have become even more extraordinary to me since I visited Israel last summer. We went to the Church of the Beatitudes on our third day in country and after all the hectic travel and time zone adjustment, it was a beautiful place to experience deep peace. I don’t possess words to describe it. I was so grateful that our guide had given us a few moments to find a place for reflection. I stole away to the back of the portico and just sat on the cool stone and soaked in the thick presence of God. No words, no song, no prayer, just peace. This morning I was transported back to that place of soul-deep refreshment when I considered this verse.

A holy moment on a quiet portico.

“You’re blessed when you’ve lost it all. God’s Kingdom is there for the finding.” (Luke 6:20 MSG)

An emptied-out life is an open door for the Kingdom.

Let that sink in a bit as you tally your losses.

An empty life is a spiritual vacuum where God’s presence can pour in. Loss is overcome by gain when we hold it under the long lens of eternity. Somehow in Kingdom math, our subtraction makes way for His multiplication.

Consider Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her ordinary life was overtaken by the Kingdom with a word from an angel. Her simple existence was shattered, completely overshadowed by Kingdom agenda. She surrendered her plans, her dreams, her reputation, her very body to the will of God. Her emptying resulted in the Kingdom of God being magnified through her being. I wonder if it’s the same for us?

Mary’s response to total loss is full of grace:

“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in my Savior, for He has been mindful of the helpless estate of His servant. From now on all generation will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is His name.” (Luke 1:46-49 MSG)

A Spirit-led emptying is a blessing to both the believer and the family of God as a whole. Any time we can give way to more of God in our lives, the people around us and after us are blessed. Great things are done through given-over lives. It is in subtraction of ordinary people that He is magnified the most.

Lord, we willingly surrender to Your plans and purposes. We see how an emptied out life might be multiplied for Your glory. We choose today, to cooperate with any subtraction You request. Be glorified in us, impact the generations as You see fit. Amen.

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