August 12, 2020 – Matthew 5:6-9

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. Matthew 5:6-9.

The word Blessed comes from the Greek word, makarios, which means an inner happiness.  This is the meaning Jesus intended at the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes.  The promise for each ‘Blessed’ relates to spiritually blissful outcome.  

Being satisfied, receive mercy, see God, and being called the Sons of God.  Each ‘Blessed’ contains a relationship to living a righteous life. ‘Not my will but Thine be done.’  ‘Here am I, Lord, send me.’

Recently a dear friend told me she is seeking to see the world through the perspective of Jesus.  Loving as Jesus loves. Forgiving as Jesus forgives.  Showing kindness and gentleness mercy as Jesus extended.  The world cries, it isn’t fair, I deserve the best.

Each time we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, Rejoice and be glad!

Dear Eternal God in Heaven, help me to see the world as you see others as You see them.  Above all, help me to truly love with a servant’s heart.  Help me to hunger and thirst for righteousness above all.  I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Matthew 5 ends with these words, You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect, v. 48. This is only possible through the strength of Jesus, God’s Son.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12.