May 2, 2017 - The Beatitudes are a collection of blessings pronounced by Jesus during his Sermon on the Mount. These blessings give all who heard or now read, a look into the Kingdom of Heaven.
And he opened his mouth and taught them saying;
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:3)
The poor in spirit being those who realize that they are in need of God's help. The kingdom of heaven belongs to those who confess their need for Jesus as Lord.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matt. 5:4)
Understanding the spiritual loss that sin has caused each of us, brings mourning from those who do confess their sins and accept Jesus as Lord.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." (Matt. 5:5)
To be meek does not mean to be weak, no, to be meek means to be "gentle in spirit" not asserting oneself over others for one's own benefit. To be meek, means to trust God for all our needs.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matt. 5:6)
Those who hunger and thirst for a relationship with God will be satisfied by their admittance into the kingdom of heaven and an eternity to be spent with the Lord.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." (Matt. 5:7)
In 2 Corinthians 9:6 the Lord says that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly. Meaning that mercy will be shown you by the same level of mercy that you show to others.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matt 5:8)
The pure in heart are those who pursue the righteousness of God. Their hearts are not corrupted by the world and they will enter the kingdom and see the Lord.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matt 5:9)
Those who promote the heavenly peace of God shall be called peacemakers and sons of God for it is they who shall reflect the image of God to those who they meet each day.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:10)
When one is treated wrongly because of their faith in God and yet show that they value God above man, God is pleased, and they shall enter 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." (Matt 5:11-12)
Since time on earth began those who do God's will have been persecuted. Jesus was receiving this same persecution as he taught and spread his gospel. We too must remain faithful, even in the face of death.
Jesus also gave the people that day and gives us today, the following encouragement; "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. (Matt. 5:14-15)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5:16)
It is for each of us who are born-again in the Spirit of God to stand as beacons, shining the light of the gospel of Jesus Chris into the darkness of this world.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you this day.
