#Blessed
Series: Called - Part 3
Matthew 5:1-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3 (NRSV)
Listen to this week’s sermon here:
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Blessings are tricky things. We live in a culture where #Blessed is more about feeling lucky or fortunate in various circumstances ranging from a miraculous medical recovery all the way down to getting the latest pair of designer shoes. It’s so commonplace it has almost become a joke, or at the very least a form of false humility when we really want to boast about something but publicly attribute it to some external blessing, presumably given to us by God.
The Beatitudes turn this idea of blessings on its head.
Why?
Precisely because those who Jesus calls blessed are the last people who would ever post #Blessed on their social media feed. Consider the following contemporary framing of those Jesus calls blessed:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Empty yourself and become humble, then receive a share in the responsibility for God's kingdom.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."
Out of care for God's world, mourn for the suffering of others and you will find comfort for your suffering.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
When you are comforted, become comforting to those who are suffering in your midst and you will inherit a share responsibility with God for those who are suffering.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
When you inherit responsibility for those who suffer, you recognize when suffering is unjust. You will not be satisfied with what is unrighteous in the world until righteousness wins and God satisfies you with it.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."
In being filled with righteousness and meekness, you will temper your zeal for righteousness with mercy, and in turn will be shown mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
When you receive mercy, your heart will be made pure and free from judgment and selfish intent, then you will experience the true nature of God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
When you experience the true nature of God, you will have peace and will share it with the world, then you will be called a child of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
When you are called a child of God, you can withstand all manner of pressures to swerve from the path of righteousness, you will experience beatitude.
When we consider the many ways we feel “blessed,” how do they compare with the way Jesus sees those who are truly “blessed”?
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