Jesus’s sermon in the gospel of Matthew is the most influential sermon in history. In it, Jesus gave the world the manifesto of God’s kingdom— a declaration of His intentions and views on the issue of living a Godly life. The Sermon on the Mount stands as the definitive decription of what the kingdom of God should look like on earth.
Ask yourself this question: Are you blessed? Being blessed usually involves having good health, a measure of prosperity, good friends and family, a comfortable home, a secure environment— good fortune. Ask people if they feel blessed, and most will answer yes.
Most people, however, don’t feel blessed when they’re having a tough day or when suffering a hardship or loss. We tend to think of blessings as the positive side of life, but if we examine Jesus’s Beatitudes, that idea gets turned on its head.
Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes, an English word that comes from a Latin word that means blessings. Thus, the Beatitudes are “blessed attitudes” that we should have as followers of Christ.
The Beatitudes turn our world upside down. They throw cold water on our self-indulgence and remind us that only when Jesus is the Lord of our lives, will we truly be joyful and content with a “blessed attitude.”
“One day as He saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him, and He began to teach them, ‘God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for Him, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.’” (Matthew 5:13). The “poor” are the poor in spirit who realize everything pales in comparison with God’s greatness. When you know how poor in spirit you are without God, remember that blessings come from lowliness, and the kingdom of heaven belongs to you!
Blessings also come from holiness. Matthew 5:6-9 promises blessings for those who have a yearning for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and—oddly—from others’ unrighteousness.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12) Unfortunately, during his era Jesus knew lowliness, holiness, and enduring persecution of others’ unrighteousness. Our era still has too many Christian mockers, but those who testify to their faith in spite of them will be comforted, inherit the earth, be satisfied, receive mercy, be called children of God, inherit the kingdom of heaven, and see God. The reward is great in heaven!
So, answer the question: Are you blessed?
You will be if you keep hanging on to the hem of Jesus’ garment when things are tough. HE is the way to true life, true joy, and true satisfaction.
If you want to stick with Jesus for the longhaul, come to LECC at 415897 Highway 9, Eufaula, for small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and/ or Wednesday night allage activities at 6:30 p.m.
Join us in knowing that the blessings of God’s kingdom are not found in the ways of the world, but in the attitudes of the Beatitudes.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
