Beautiful Blessings
December 11, 2008 (Thursday)
We’ve all heard of “The Sermon on the Mount.”
Jesus began that sermon with a series of blessings called the “Beatitudes.”
Here they are in the New International Version translation of Matthew 5:2-10:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Series of sermons on the Beatitudes by great preachers have been named, “The Secret of Happiness,” “Happiness Is A Choice,” and “The Only Way to Happiness,” among other titles.
These sayings must have sounded very strange indeed to the people listening to Jesus. Even today many people find difficulty accepting the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount because His solutions to problems involve self-denial and forgiveness on the part of the person seeking happiness.
It may take a while, but sooner or later, sincere followers of Jesus find that His ways are the best ways.