Embracing the Radical New Order of Blessedness
The Beatitudes, a cornerstone of Jesus’ teachings, usher in a revolutionary era of blessedness, one that defies the conventional wisdom of our time. These profound statements are not mere platitudes or gentle reminders to “be nice.” Rather, they outline the very fabric of the kingdom of heaven, the essence of which Jesus instructs us to seek above all else (Matthew 6:33).
A Call to Radical Transformation
To embody the character of Jesus – His dependence, compassion, humility, and longing for the Father’s glory – is a daunting task. The Beatitudes present us with conditional promises of blessing, where the condition is surrendering to Jesus’ transformative work in our lives, and the promise is the ensuing blessedness.
Praying for Spiritual Poverty
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,” Jesus declares (Matthew 5:3). As we pray, may we courageously confront our own spiritual destitution, acknowledging our utter helplessness and dependence on heaven’s kingdom. May we crave humility, unimpressed by our accomplishments, and instead, yearn for more of God’s presence in our lives.
Mourning with a Broken Heart
“Blessed are those who mourn,” Jesus continues (Matthew 5:4). May our hearts be broken by the things that break God’s heart. May we renounce self-pity and instead, receive holy comfort in our losses (Isaiah 61:2). May God’s tender mercy wipe away our tears.
The Power of Meekness
“Blessed are the meek,” Jesus says (Matthew 5:5). May we receive the grace to yield to God’s restraints, tempering our strengths with meekness, as exemplified by Jesus’ own gentle heart. May we accept all of God’s dealings with us as good, and may we learn to respond with holy long-suffering and humility.
Hungering for Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” Jesus declares (Matthew 5:6). May we intensely long for more of God, fasting from our own self-sufficiency and righteousness. May our spirits and souls be completely satisfied only in the living water of God’s presence. May we taste and see that God is good, and may our souls be filled with an unquenchable thirst for Him.
The Promise of Blessing
As we embark on this journey of embracing the Beatitudes, may we hold fast to the promises of blessing: the kingdom of heaven, comfort, inheritance, and satisfaction in God alone. May we experience the radical new order of blessedness, where heaven’s reign is manifest on earth, and may we be transformed into the likeness of Jesus, the beloved and well-pleasing Son of God.
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