Matthew 5:2-12

Do you feel blessed? I wanted to see just what this word means in English and Dictionary.com defines blessed as blissfully happy, contented, divinely or supremely favored, fortunate.  During the time in history when Jesus was teaching from this hillside, he was there because the people wanted to know more about Him, they wanted to hear what He had to say to them.

His words to the followers then, just as now, affirm the fact it isn't worldly treasures that will make us blissfully happy; things will not bring about contentment. He teaches that the materials things of this world have no kingdom value.  The Eight Beatitudes hold us to a different standard of living; they point us to a life of humility, mercy, purity, and peacefulness.  

The Eight Beatitudes, or Sermon on the Mount, which the text for today is often called, is a way to live life.  The Christian 12-Step program, Celebrate Recovery is grounded in these verses.  For all people dealing with hurts, hang-ups and habits these eight declarations are rules to live by; a way to become recovered in Christ.

When we live by this higher standard we may not feel blessed, as this world knows blessing.  We will feel persecuted, poked fun at and sometimes we may even fear for our well-being, but Jesus taught:

"Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble." (Matthew 5:11-12)

Read Matthew 5:2-12 here.  Listen to Matthew 5:2-12 here.

Luke 13:22-30

Take the high road
Dance to the beat of a different drummer
Don’t follow the crowd
What’s popular isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always popular
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail

These are the types of phrases we often used with our children as they were growing up. We all strive to help our young people see that there are bad influences and evil all around us that we want them to stay clear of. We have lots of good advice, but it is much easier said than done in this world. Apparently the same was true when Jesus walked this earth.

His words were, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, Sir, open the door for us……. But he will reply, I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!” Jesus spoke of many coming from the east, west, north and south who will take their place at the feast in the kingdom of God. Then he reminded us that “Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

This reminds me of the Beatitudes in Matthew where it says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” and “Blessed are the pure in spirit for they shall see God.” I hope I am following God's plan for me, choosing the right path, or door, or narrow passage way that leads to the kingdom we all dream of. As adults, we are good at guiding young people in our lives toward what we see as the righteous way. Are we as adults, choosing the right path when we come upon those forks in the road? When we look into the mirror, do we see the reflection of one who models what is good and true in God’s eyes? I hope and pray God sees me as worthy when judgment day comes, and that I will see all of you at God’s blessed feast!

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Beatitudes, Salt and Light -- Matthew 5:1-16

Have you ever wondered what people mean when referring to someone as 'blessed'?  Sometimes I will hear a comment like, "I was so blessed by his kindness," or "I pray you are blessed by this gift."  I generally hear phrases like these from my Christian friends, those who care about me and want what is best for me.  In the Beatitudes we witness these words, these wishes of blessings, from Jesus.

The word blessed means more than happy.  Happiness is an emotion and depends on outward happenings, on other people's behavior.  Happiness is fleeting and often momentary.  Blessed refers to ultimate well-being and the spiritual joy that comes only from following the Savior, Jesus.  These eight beatitudes reflect the practices of one who follows Jesus.

I like to look at this text as a list of things to practice every day; a list of character traits to live out.  Perhaps calling the list 'be'-attitudes can help us to understand more fully.  I need to be...mournful, humble, meek, merciful, pure in heart, a peacemaker.  I must learn to make my attitude one that exudes these qualities - hence, be-attitudes.

I am blessed by the fellowship of body of believers when they come together and love and support one another.  This blessing is a spiritual joy that warms the heart and fills all the voids life leaves in its wake; it has nothing to do with momentary happiness and everything to do with being Jesus to each other.

To read the entire text click here.