Am I still Blessed
Matthew 5:1-12
The Beatitudes talks about blessings. There are eight blessings in particular, but the blessed people he mentions seem they are lacking, struggling or suffering.
Jesus doesn't give a message saying that their lives will get better, but he gives a new direction for living. Even the way Jesus calls his disciples to learn with him is humble and different from other leaders.
Matthew 5:1 ESV
[1] Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
Jesus then goes on to say how to live. He does not say that if you do these things you will be blessed. Instead, He says this is how blessed people are.
Matthew 5:3 ESV
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This is not talking about the future. It is talking about now. God's kingdom is for those who come empty handed. They come with complete dependence.
Matthew 5:4 ESV
[4] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
The same is true with the second beatitude. When we realize the gap between us and God is do severe. When we see what sinners we are and how much we have rebelled against God. However, God will comfort those who come to this realization.
Matthew 5:5 ESV
[5] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Those who wait on God to right the wrongs and do not seek vengeance will be blessed.
Matthew 5:6 ESV
[6] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
People who crave a right relationship with God are hungry for God and what is good. Following God will give a blessed life.
The first part of the beatitudes that deal with our self but then we move into the second part which deals with our relationship with others.
Matthew 5:7 ESV
[7] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Mercy costs something. It might cost you time, comfort or some resource, and this is why we are reluctant to give mercy. Yet, we know Jesus has been merciful to us, and this alone should make us merciful to others. Those who show mercy are already living in God's mercy and this is a blessing.
A sinless life is a direction towards God that is not divided. A divided heart is always suspicious. Is this God's will? The one whose direction is straight to God can be faithful.
Matthew 5:9 ESV
[9] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
To be a peacemaker does not mean to avoid confrontation. Sometimes we need to confront people and make people uncomfortable in order to reconcile them to God. This is choosing obedience over comfort.
What is the outcome of this path?
Matthew 5:10 ESV
[10] “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
If you love God and are serious about living for God, you will be hated by the world. Jesus also tells us to be happy when we are persecuted because we are on the right path. Our life has meaning now and pleasing to God.
We do not need to seek pain or suffering, but we do need to live for God. We start poor in spirit and move towards living for God. It will be difficult but worth the effort.
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