By Jeffie Burns
SCRIPTURE
Matthew 5:3-10
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
OBSERVATION
In chapter 4 of Matthew, Jesus has called His first disciples: Andrew, Peter, James, and John. They have followed Him as He taught about the good news of the kingdom, healing and maneuvering through large crowds. Moving into Matthew 5, Jesus has ascended up the mount to teach His disciples. His goal is to explain to them the principles of His kingdom… the kingdom of heaven.
- Jesus is providing inward attitudes that are developed by the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- The reality of discipleship lived in the presence and power of the kingdom of God BUT within our everyday world.
- Some of the promises are for now and some of the promises will be in the future.
- The Beatitudes are a reminder of what we already have in Christ.
- The Beatitudes are a call of what we can become.
OBEDIENCE
To be or not to be…that is the question.
Are you poor in spirit, ready to recognize you are in need?
Do you mourn, ready to repent?
Are you meek, ready to surrender control to God?
Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness, ready to yearn for Him?
Are you merciful, ready to forgive?
Are you pure of heart, ready to let God change your outlook from the inside out?
Are you a peacemaker, ready to love?
What happens if you are persecuted for the sake of righteousness; are you ready for injustice?
PRAYER
Father God, thank You for Your blessings. Help me to remember all Your blessings. We desire to be a blessing to others. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear and feet ready to BE for You. In the power of Jesus’ name, we ask and pray, Amen.
