1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into the mountain: and when he had sat down, his disciples came unto him:2 and he opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.
Last year my father shared that as a new follower of Jesus he was questioned by an atheist related to Jesus's teaching. "Do you really believe the meek inherit the earth?" The meek don't inherit the earth. They get trampled by the galloping, brash hoard of those seeking power. Right!?! Not in Jesus' Kingdom. In fact, all of those that are "blessed" are people in circumstances everyone wanting to rise up to "success" avoids. We don't want to mourn or be poor in spirit. But the revelation of the Kingdom according to Jesus is among just such a people. Though it is counter-intuitive to the way we're taught to think, don't we find it true that when we have nothing to cheer for heaven seems closer and easier to talk to? When we mourn He's close to comfort us? When we're tired of the diet of unrighteousness He is there to fill our hunger and thirst for righteousness? This is where Jesus's Kingdom is. And when we're there, we're blessed. --Ben
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