This beatitude is shocking because initially it seems like no one would want persecution. However, persecution is something that citizens of the kingdom of heaven should expect in this world. The believer can rejoice in persecution knowing that God has prepared greater things for believers in eternity.

David was betrayed from people in his tribe that he described as strangers, people who were foreign to him. They joined with Saul and others who were out for his destruction. The question is "Why would they do such a thing?" The answer is that they do not set God before their eyes. David turns to God and focuses on His name. He looks for God to respond in correspondence to His name.

The Beatitudes in this section are ones that display themselves in everyday life. The believer shows these characteristics in their dealing with others. Each one, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemaker, require divine help.

The fool is a fool because He assumes God is not involved in the affairs of men. His statement of "There is no God" is an affirmation of this thought. However, God is involved in the affairs of men, especially when it comes to His people. He will not let wicked men destroy them.

After a section about searching to see if you are in the faith, the author of Hebrews reminds those who are in the faith that they have a high priest, Jesus the Great High Priest. He was went through our difficulties as a human and now is before the throne of God. You can bring your requests to this throne and find help in the nick of time.

The readers of Hebrews are challenged to see if they have faith in Christ. They do not want to be like the Israelites who missed out on the rest that God had planned for them in the land. Unbelief will cause people to miss out on God's eternal rest. The Word of God is given to enlighten individuals to see if they are in the faith.

This psalm is appropriate for the unreasonable violence that has been afflicted on innocent people. This psalm uses the tragic events of Doeg's slaughter of innocents to make clear that God will bring justice upon individuals who think they can get away with violence. The righteous can be secure like a healthy tree in the house of God forever. God's loyal love never leaves His people.

This lesson focuses on the 2nd set of Beatitudes, the meek and the hungering and thirsting. Both of these Beatitudes give the requirements for gaining citizenship into the kingdom of heaven.

This psalm occurred after David's greatest sin. David acknowledges the depths of his sin. He had offended God. However, God was the only one who could forgive and do a supernatural work to restore the emotions and opportunities that sin had damaged.

The author of Hebrews uses Psalms 95 to remind and warn his readers that unbelief has been a problem for generations. The children of Israel saw God's power and presence, yet because of unbelief they missed God's rest. In today's church there are people who have heard the truth but are falling away from that truth. They have unbelief and are in danger of missing God's eternal rest.