Beatitude - blessing
Each beatitude includes a pronouncement of blessing, a description of the ones considered as blessed, and an explanation (for)of the blessing.
Matthew 5:3-12
vs 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
vs 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"those who mourn"--does not necessarily mean people in bereavement, but those who experience the sorrow of repentance.
vs 5 Blessed are the meek (humble), for they shall inherit the earth (or land).
"meek" does not connote weakness, but rather controlled strength, humility and self-discipline.
vs 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
vs 7 Blessed are the merciful (compassionate, sympathetic, sensitive), for they shall obtain mercy.
vs 8 Blessed are the "pure" in heart, for they shall see God.
"pure" - clean, undefiled, without blemish.
vs 9 Blessed are the "peacemankers", for they shall be called sons of God.
"peacemakers - God is the supreme "peacemaker", and His sons follow His example.
vs 10 Blessed are those who are "persecuted" for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
the cause of "persecution" is loyalty to righteousness which Jesus makes specific in vs 11.
vs 11 Blessed are you when they "revile" and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake.
"revile" - mocking, ridiculing, scolding, insulting, using words angrily or insulting.
vs 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Mom thought these verses were so important that she wrote them down, along with the commentary from her Bible. I know she epitomized many of the qualities here. Obviously Jesus thought they were important and worth speaking and teaching about. Perhaps these verses would be a good source of prayer for myself, praying that these qualities would be manifest in my walk each day. How I long to be humble and merciful, but often am proud and judgmental. How often do my words "stir the pot", instead of bringing peace. Many days I hunger more for my own way than for the way of righteousness, and act like a big brat about it too!!
Lord, I pray that today, You would start to manifest these qualities in me. Help me to overcome self and live for You, live as You lived, humbly, mercifully and seeking only to do the Father's will. As I live this type of life, I know that persecution may come, but help me to stand firm in Your strength. Lord, I don't want my way...I want Your way...lead me. In Jesus name, amen.
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