When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.
He opened His mouth and began to teach 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 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. Matthew 5:1-12
God is aware of every broken heart, mistreatment, ugly, callous, sinful, violent, wrong that has been part of your life. He promises a profound peace and ‘blessing’, an inner resolve and joy in spite of it all. What Jesus was saying is there is an unseen (at this moment) kingdom where God is on the throne. Those who are His and part of that kingdom find comfort, inheritance, satisfaction and fulfillment, mercy, a vision of God, relationship through adoption into His family, part possession in that kingdom, gladness, and reward.
We experience this wonderful kingdom when Jesus becomes the king of my heart. A humble prayer of repentance and recognition, receiving the forgiveness afforded me, by Jesus’ death upon the cross and my subsequent renouncing of my former life and ways, now to be His follower in all ways… I find myself in a real relationship with the God of the universe, open to His leading and guiding as He accompanies me by His very presence in me. Wow!!! What a promise! What a reality!
How blessed am I?
God, as this day continues.. I am thinking first of You and I. How gracious You are to me. May I walk in a way that pleases You today? May the words of my mouth, the thoughts of my mind, and the actions and energy be wonderful in Your sight. With every difficulty, may I experience, even as I do, the heavenly blessing that accompanies them. Now, for my family, move in each of them with power. My mom, touch her body and continue to heal her. My wife, let her shine with the godliness and beauty that makes her a gift to me and all she encounters. My sons – may they be joyous as they do what You’ve called each to be and become, filled with gifts from above. My daughter, – restore her health today and renew that grand purpose and calling in her life, so she sees herself as You do. I pray as well for Mauricio to hear Your voice as he begs You for an extension of his daughter Sandy’s life. Would you consider again his plea? And Penny and her dad with the loss of Marion, be close and guide them. For Brett who has lost his sister, draw him close Lord with comfort from above. Help him lead his nieces Kaitlyn and Hailee through this season without their mom. Bring justice in this situation. All of these and the myriad of other griefs, help us see your blessings.
