“And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely hon my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’”– Matt. 5:2-12
We often read the word “blessed” in the Scripture and multiple Scriptures like it, but do we really know what it means and how God wants us to understand this extraordinary word?
In the New Testament, the Greek word for blessed is makarios, which has a very special meaning. You see it in rapid fire succession in the text above:
· Blessed are the poor in spirit . . .
· Blessed are those who mourn . . .
· Blessed are the meek . . .
· Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness . . .
· Blessed are the merciful . . .
· Blessed are the pure in heart . . .
· Blessed are the peacemakers . . .
· Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake . . .
· Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you . . .
To be “blessed” is to be in possession of the favor of God, which is entirely unaffected by the circumstances of life. It is experiencing the highest level of spiritual prosperity, no matter how much or how little physical prosperity one is experiencing at the time. The apostle Paul expressed this idea beautifully in his letter to the Philippians: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11b-13)
In the Beatitudes Jesus made it clear that those who have God as their Father are “blessed”, regardless of the circumstances they are currently facing in life and in death. This is the experience of the person who has been saved by grace and who daily experiences God’s salvation and forgiveness of sins . . . all of which is altogether apart from his outward condition.
So the blessings in the above list (the Beatitudes) are ours now by gift and by inheritance through God in Christ Jesus, since we are sons and daughters of the KING. There may be days that we don’t “feel” blessed because things are not going as we expect them to go for us…but that doesn’t change the reality of the promise and gift of God….so we are to live accordingly.
But we must always keep in mind what the word “blessed” does not mean. It does not mean:
· You will always be healthy
· You will never have trouble…(Jesus guarantees we will)
· Blessing does not guarantee prosperity as the world defines it
· Blessing does not ensure popularity…(most likely the opposite)
· Blessing does not equal success in a worldly fashion
So to wrap this up this morning; to be “blessed” by Christ is to be deeply secured in our relationship with our Savior, by our Savior. By His Holy Spirit we are filled with joy unimaginable and profound contentment to be who we are—because we are His…the one who’s very nature defines joy and contentment. And the life of the one who is blessed is to be marked by rejoicing and gladness, “…because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:11).
God Bless y’all today.
In His grip,
Pastor Mike
