Yesterday, while we were walking around a nearby lake, we were blessed to come upon this beautiful little spot. The water was cool on the feet but not too cold, and there was room to sit. It was a great thinking spot.
In my reading of Matthew of late, I have spent time in the Sermon on the Mount, one of the five great discourses by Christ that Matthew records.
In particular, I have been camping out on the beatitudes; the “blessed are” passages.
And he [Jesus] opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:2-12 ESV
It should be noted that these blessings are not universal; they are blessings for believers.
There is a progression here. Christ begins with the poor in spirit. We mourn the depravity of our sin and the pain and brokenness of the world. It is not until we realize that our works and efforts have no merit, when we recognize that we are spiritually bankrupt, that we begin to turn to Christ in humble repentance and faith.
Meekness is not weakness. It is strength under control, a form of humility.
We begin to desire to be like our lord, “holy for He is holy.” We start to understand grace, mercy and forgiveness and, having received them, begin to show them to others.
Our hearts are cleansed and being conformed to the image of Christ, and we seek peace. Not just peace as an absence of conflict but true peace with God, and we desire others to have it.
The changes in us conflict with the world’s values, bringing persecution and Christ’s blessing.
The blessings spoken of here are not material wealth or worldly success. We are blessed by the ever-deepening relationships with our King and other believers. The blessings compound as we grow more like Christ and last forever.
We will face difficulty in this life, and our faith will be tested. There will be times when God seems distant, or prayers appear unanswered. We can persevere in those dry seasons because we know God never changes and never breaks a promise. He has promised blessings to His children, and those blessings are guaranteed.
Hold fast. Seek Christ and be blessed beyond measure.
May you be richly blessed,
Kevin
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SUMMARY
Yesterday Kathy and I found a beautiful spot beside a lake, cool water on our feet and room to sit and think. I’ve also been spending time lately in Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, and I’ve been struck by how the Beatitudes lay out a progression, starting with poverty of spirit and moving toward being persecuted for righteousness’ sake, blessings meant not for everyone but for believers whose hearts are being conformed to Christ.
TAKEAWAY
The Beatitudes reveal a progression, beginning with poverty of spirit and moving toward being persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
True blessing isn’t material wealth but an ever-deepening relationship with Christ and other believers, a blessing that compounds and lasts forever.
Even when trials come, and God feels distant, His promised blessings are guaranteed because He never changes and never breaks a promise.
