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Blessed Are
. . .
Matthew 5:1-12
contains what is usually called the "Beatitudes." This
comes from the Latin beatus, meaning happy or blessed. The idea is
that of perfect happiness or blessedness. The Greek term,
makarios, means "blessed, happy, or fortunate." However,
the concept goes beyond just being "happy." From a
physical standpoint, we know, for example, that the one who is
persecuted and reviled is not "happy" in the usual
sense. When Jesus says these are "blessed," He means
blessed and favored by God. It is "that state of being marked
by fullness from God" (Zodhiates 937). It describes those who
are the privileged recipients of divine favor.
Makarios differs from the typical
concept of "happy" in that the idea of happy often
carries the concept of good luck coming from favorable
circumstances. Yet, Jesus is not describing physically favorable
circumstances. He is describing those who find their satisfaction
and favor in God, regardless of their physical circumstances. He
is describing those who, like Paul, could "rejoice in the
Lord" even though their earthly situations were less than
ideal (cf. Philippians
4:4).
In other words, true joy and
happiness does not come according to the thinking of the world.
"I'll be happy whenÉ" we often think. But when we get
what we think will make us happy, we find that we are still not
satisfied, and we target other items that we think will finally
make us "happy."
Favorable circumstances can make a
person "happy" in the typical sense, but that does not
make a person "blessed" in the sense Jesus speaks of. In
order to be blessed in this way, Jesus says that there are certain
attitudes and actions that must be present. The kingdom of heaven
(not the riches and kingdoms of the earth) belong to those who
exhibit the humble and gentle qualities Jesus describes.
"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 gentle, 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 have been
persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and
persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is
great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were
before you."
These are spiritual, inner
qualities that manifest themselves in humble and gentle behaviors.
The one who "poor in spirit" is one who recognizes his
or her need for God. These are able to "mourn" for their
sins in order to receive the comfort of forgiveness. The humble,
or meek, are those for whom God has reserved grace (1
Peter 5:5). To those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness, God will grant the
fulfillment and satisfaction. Further blessing awaits the
merciful, the pure, and those who make spiritual peace. Even those
who physically suffer ridicule and persecution for the Lord's sake
will be blessed by God in a way that will cause them to rejoice.
We must be a people who look beyond
what the physical earth provides. If we think that happiness comes
about due to our earthly circumstances, then we will be greatly
disappointed. But if we look to the Lord for the peace and
fulfillment that only He can give, we will be blessed beyond our
ability to understand and explain (cf. Philippians
4:7). This is the
abundant life of which Jesus speaks (John
10:10). It is this
life in which we find true joy and happiness.
If you are looking for blessings
that come from God, then you need to look to the qualities
described by Jesus. The proof of your blessings will not be found
in how great or wealthy you become in the here and now, but in how
many treasures you have laid up for yourself in heaven.
How about it - are we blessed?
T. Doy Moyer~In
Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 10/19/97.
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