The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes are some of the most beautiful, esoteric words in literature, and we need the Holy Spirit’s guidance to understand and appreciate them more fully.  We find them in the fifth chapter of the Book of Matthew and the sixth chapter of Luke.

“Bless are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”  (Matthew 5:3)  I believe that a good translation for the poor in spirit would be people who are in need.  Needy people may have health problems; they may be poverty stricken, or they may, in some manner, feel helpless.  Jesus says these people are blessed in the spiritual realm and should be happy because in their need they come to realize their own utter helplessness, so they put their whole trust in God.  They may have little to offer, except the desire to be perfectly obedient to God, which will make them into good citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”  (Matthew 5:4)  Happy are those who share in the sufferings of Christ and, in turn, compassionately care for the sufferings, sorrows and needs of others.  It describes the man whose heart is broken for the world’s sufferings and for his own sin.  Out of his sorrow, he will find the joy of God.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”  (Matthew 5:5)  My interpretation here is blessed are those who completely submit to God’s spirit.  Such submission means being open to the Holy Spirit’s correction, which, ultimately, is for their good anyway.  In that submission to God, they are humble, knowing their own ignorance, weakness and need, and because of this self-awareness, they are patient with the shortcomings of others and are willing to extend grace to them.  Such a person is a king among men.

“Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)  How much do you want goodness?  As much as a starving man wants food?  Despite your many failings, you will be blessed if you long for total righteousness and continue to seek God.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”  (Matthew 5:7)  God walked in the flesh, so He could experience what we experience, so He knows what we go through.  Blessed are you if you forgive men their trespasses against you because your Heavenly Father will also forgive you of your sins.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”  (Matthew 5:8)  Blessed are those whose motives are absolutely pure and not filled with filthy thoughts and evil intentions on others, for they will someday be able to see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”  (Matthew 5:9)  When people of the world cause trouble, bitterness and strife and do the devil’s work, walk in the Spirit of Shalom and unite people together.  In so doing, you reflect the character of our Heavenly Father.

“Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  (Matthew 5:10)  Blessed are you when you walk in faith, even when it makes you uncomfortable, causing disruptions at work, at home and in your social life.  Even when we are persecuted for our faith, we are to rejoice because great is our reward in heaven.  What is more comforting is no man suffers alone.  Christ will be nearer to you than at any other time.  Christ needs witnesses to live for him, and your faithful example will be a strong witness to others.

Luke 6:24 reads, “Woe unto you that are rich!  For you have received your consolation.”

The Beatitudes are revolutionary in that they take the wisdom of the world and turn it upside down.  According to Jesus, if you set your heart and energies on obtaining the things that the world values, that is all you will ever get.  On the other hand, if you set your heart and energies on being loyal to God and true to Christ, you will encounter all kinds of trouble and hardship, but much of your reward will be eternal joy.  The joy of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles of this world.

Submitted by Bob Sidlinger

 

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First Christian Church is a Disciples of Christ congregation. Learn more about the Disciples on our Kansas region site and our main denomination page.

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First Christian Church

319 W. Laurel St.
Independence, KS 67301

620-273-2525