We have an important role to play. We were bought at a price and our lives are not our own to live. We have been crucified with Christ, rescued and redeemed and the life we now live, we live for Him.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Of all the beatitudes, “blessed are those who are persecuted” may be the one that is most counterintuitive. How can we say we are Blessed when we are being persecuted? 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

“Pure” is a word when immediately heard and spoken conjures up an image of cleanliness. Try it…what is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word pure? Often we can look at the impurity in others while elevating ourselves to a notion or belief that we are truly pure, but how does one know? The ultimate standard of purity is none other than Jesus Christ.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Pastor Gordon continues the Blessed Summer series.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matt 5:6

How often do we hear the following statement?: “I am starving!” Kids, for instance, use the expression all the time. It is common, but misplaced.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matt 5:5

Surely we know this by now…meekness and weakness sound alike but are not interchangeable. Meekness speaks of control not strength. Or, to say it even more accurately, meekness describes a willingness to surrender control. Sometimes words become unreliable.

Blessed are they who mourn,for they shall be comforted.

Grief; sadness; lament; mourning…not a description of what we desire for ourselves, or prefer to experience in the company of others. In some places, these feeling are unavoidable, like at the death of a loved one, but even then, we run away from it as quickly as possible. But what would it look like to mourn for something worse…our sin?

Let’s definitely not go there!…right?

Life is a race and all of us are running at different speeds and in different directions. Just as a regular race some are putting in more training than others. There are probably times when we are running just to get to the next marker or refreshment stand. Races can be difficult because you do not see the finish line until it is only a short distance away. Half way through the race, when your legs are tired, your mouth is dry and your mind is telling you to stop, it is difficult to imagine what the finish looks like or even to believe there could be one. At times, the race of life can feel the same way. We become worn out and tired…we feel as though we cannot continue until we realize what the finish line is, what we are competing for; what it is we will receive.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Poverty is never a good thing…right? Typically it is viewed negatively.

Jesus regularly spoke to the needs of the poor, as well as the writers of the New Testament. The reminder was consistent—God’s expectation on the rest of us to have compassion on them. In Matthew 5.3, however, Jesus has a different message. “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” In this case, the poverty is not in relation to earthly provisions. This spiritual bankruptcy brings ultimate happiness, prosperity and fortune. Jesus promises a reward for those who are spiritually humble. Why? What is this kind of poverty?