The Road to Happiness

Matthew 5:2-12 (NIV)
  and he began to teach them, saying:
   "Blessed are the poor in spirit... those who mourn...the meek...those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...the merciful...the pure in heart...the peacemakers...those who are persecuted... Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Persecution, what is it? It is defined as hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race or political or religious beliefs. I wonder how this message from Jesus would be received today. Living in an age when strength and power are everything important, would hundreds congregate to hear about being poor in spirit, mournful, or meek?  Aren't these all signs of weakness?

If we are truthful with ourselves, don't we spend a lot of time and energy giving off different vibes? It is important we appear strong and in control.  It is this need, this false front we put up which causes much of our pain.

In these texts, the word blessed means happy. Well, that makes it even worse, doesn't it? How can I be weak yet happy? The definition alone makes me cringe: quiet, gentle and easily imposed on; submissive. These are not traits held in esteem. Perhaps if you said: happy are the powerful, the strong-willed.

Why did Jesus use words that give us so much trouble? What was and is the meaning? For this writer, I need to hear that it is OK to be humble, or vulnerable. The people with Jesus wanted to know what He meant when He said the Kingdom was near (Matthew 4:17). He was explaining the Kingdom of God is organized differently from worldly kingdoms. Wealth and power are not characteristics required for access; they are unimportant.

When we are persecuted for our beliefs, for the way we live by following Jesus, we are blessed. This persecution enables us to seek God, it takes away all the pretense of this life and brings us face to face with what is important. Once we stand in this spot, it is easier to see why we are blessed when we do the things that Jesus did and say the things that Jesus said.
  
 Matthew 5:2-12