Life and teachings of Jesus
18/07/2020
Day 5 Matthew 5 v 1 - 48
Beatitude: a state of utmost bliss [blessedness, happiness, joy]
Merriam Webster Dictionary
Everyone who has followed the life of Jesus, is familiar with the sermon on the mount. Look at the contrast between what Jesus taught and what the world proclaims:
“Blessed are the poor [needy, broken] in spirit….“
Usually pride is our downfall as christians, among other things and sometimes we have this attitude that God gave us a brain, yet we don’t even know how to pray most of the times and require the Spirit to intercede for us. Don’t let (y)our pride come between you and the Lord. Humble yourselves before Him, draw near to Him and submit to Him, for “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4 v 6 – 10).
“Blessed are those who mourn….“
It seems that most people are on a (selfish) happiness quest (at any cost) and instead of seeking the Lord, confessing their sins and living according to His will, they seek the pleasures of this world. Should we mourn over our transgressions (Ps 51) and seek the Lord’s forgiveness, He will comfort us in our affliction (2 Cor 1 v 4).
“Blessed are the gentle….“
Power, fame, popularity and a no-nonsense, “take what you want attitude”. This is what the system and its disciples preach to us, thinking that this is how they will inherit the earth. Jesus says this (and I would rather listen to what He has said), “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” We will never find rest with this worldly attitude, but Christ will give us rest for our souls, for He is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matt 11 v 28 – 30).
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…“
What do you long for in life? Are you in pursuit of personal achievements and success according to the standards of the world? Paul says that he “counts all things to be a loss” as he compares it to the value of knowing Jesus. Our faith in Christ is reckoned unto us as righteousness and therefore nothing else should take priority over our relationship with Him, for only He can satisfy our hunger and thirst.
“Blessed are the merciful…“
I sometimes say that God shows more mercy than most christians and this is evident in how we treat each other, especially on the road, not that we know what the other drivers’ religious convictions are, but you get the picture. We feel compelled to go out into this world, without compassion, thinking that being heartless will get us there. We are instructed in Ephesians to be “imitators of God, as beloved children, to walk in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us.” [paraphrase] (Eph 5 v 1 – 2).
“Blessed are the pure in heart…“
In this “post-modern” era deception and lies have become an acceptable norm and we know what God says about those who lie. We should ask God every day to purify our heart and our thoughts so that we can live as Jesus did, in the time we have on earth and also stand blameless before Him when He returns.
“Blessed are the peacemakers…“
Whether you seek to live in peace with others, as far as it is possible (Rom 12 v 18), find peace in your own life amidst the chaos in the world or even when God disciplines us, you will be called sons (and daughters) of God and the reward is “peaceful fruits of righteousness” (Heb 12 v 11).
“Blessed are those who have been persecuted…”
Do you hold on to a form of godliness and selective with your witnessing? Are you committed to God when it suits you, but fall back into old habits easily? You probably have not experienced persecution for your belief in Him… The moment you decide to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3 v 12), you will suffer at the hands of people and be persecuted for your faith.
You are considered blessed if you suffer for following Jesus. Majority of the prophets, disciples and Jesus Himself, were persecuted and killed for their faith. You will not be an exception if you stand up for the truth in this lost world. Persevere in the faith, for your reward in heaven is great.
Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, Life Application Study Bible, unless stated otherwise. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation”
