Matthew 5 and Luke 6 record the familiar Beatitudes. What can we learn by reading between and beyond the lines?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
As much as they reveal the manifold blessings of God’s grace, they also pose challenges to pursue and experience personal transformation.
RELEVANCE
If we look at each blessing, we see a corresponding condition. The LORD made it clear that we are blessed as we persevere through the trials of life that work to strengthen our character. The Beatitudes offer us an opportunity to see a contrast of inward motives and outward actions.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Meditate and pray about the Beatitudes. Consider how the LORD:
Addresses the human conflict between natural emotions and moral behavior
Challenges us to find God’s moral standard and Kingdom values
Points to the need of God’s mercy and grace
Establishes a direction for spiritual growth and development
Helps find a balance between religious-social-economic-political issues
REFERENCES
Matthew 5:1-16; Luke 20:6-49