Blessedness
Matthew 5:1-12
1. Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. 2. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
God has certainly been faithful to me in my obedience! Each morning I have been able to share something about which He has enlightened me! Looking back, I realize that I tend to get going in a “theme” for several days in a row! I don’t always realize I’ve done that until I go back to read a few day’s worth of postings! God is so wise and smart and good—he takes care of that without my needing to be “in charge.” (I think there’s a bigger lesson here that I am still learning!) I’ve come to learn and believe that absolutely every word of scripture is divinely inspired from God! I know, you’re saying, “Well, of course it is Mary!” Or you’re saying, “Well, technically, we have no way of knowing that.” I’m saying I believe that God used not only the individuals written about and who wrote the words about themselves and others, and he used those translating and interpreting those words for others. And beyond that, it doesn’t matter if each verse is a literal translation, because what does matter is how the words speak to our hearts—and God has the power to use even improperly translated words to inspire and teach us! OK Off the soap box!
This “Sermon on the Mount” expands upon Psalm 37. I guess you could say it’s the “re-write” of Psalm 37, in light of Jesus Christ! That’s probably sacrilegious! Sorry! My bible notes indicate that blessedness refers to more than “being happy.” It refers to an “ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the kingdom of God.” Wow! That is a lot more than “being happy!” That’s the opposite of “fretting”!
These lessons tell us not be spiritually proud—to look down on others who don’t share our beliefs. And mourning here refers to a passionate lament for one who is loved. Meekness doesn’t mean timidity, but rather our attitude before God—God-controlled, humble. Our “reward” for these attitudes and view of life is the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven—not something earned, but given freely to us by our loving, good, gracious God – our father in heaven!
These are tall orders, though! This type of humility and quiet assurance doesn’t come easy to us! At least speaking for myself, I’m all about that righteous indignation I mentioned yesterday! Maybe a better “mantra” would be to re-read the beatitudes daily! I should rather hunger and thirst for righteousness-but with meekness and humility before God. I’m really going to have work on this!
Mercy here refers to empathy—the ability to “be within the other.” I think I possess that quality—but I have a long way to go with how selective I am about showing mercy! The pure in heart are “single-hearted” – with a heart for God alone. Jesus goes on to warn the disciples of what is to come—persecution for their faith and obedience. He assures them, though that they will be rewarded in heaven and enjoy the blessings afforded those who strive for this high moral and ethical standard of living.
It is a very high standard! But Jesus showed us that it was possible. His ability was not because of his divinity—rather the power and strength of his message was in his laying aside his divinity. Becoming a man—just like us—tempted, persecuted, shunned, hungry, sad, lonely—all the things that interfere with our achieving perfection! He laid aside his divinity! As if that weren’t enough—then he died on the cross! He chose that fate. He accepted God’s will. He was obedient unto death. Blessed indeed!
I hope you spend your day contemplating the example Jesus set, and striving to achieve even a small measure of the perfection He exemplified and demonstrated.
Mary
