Are You Blessed?

In Matthew 5, Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount.  In response to a large number of people who had come out to see Him, probably hoping to see some miracle performed, Jesus went up on a hillside where He would be better heard.  Once in place, He took the posture and attitude of a Jewish teacher, but His words were unlike anything the people had ever heard before.

In the first 10 verses of the sermon, Jesus effectively challenged every idea a first century Jew would have on how he or she should live.  What He said didn’t just have an impact on the people around Him the day He delivered the message.  His words also tell us how to live, and He tells us that we are to live exactly the opposite of what the world says is the way to go.

When the world says, “You can do it on your own,” God says, “No, you can’t.  Depend on Me.”

When the world says, “Suck it up and move on,” God says, “Let me heal your hurts.”

When the world says, “You’re the only one who matters,” God says, “Put others above you and be a servant.”

When the world says, “Do what feels good,” God says, “Fill your life with things that honor Me.”

When the world says, “Win at all costs,” God says, “Love people and help them.”

When the world says,, “There is no standard,” God says, Yes, there is.  It is me.”

When the world says, “Fight for everything you want,” God says, “Find a way to make peace.”

When the world says, “They’ll make fun of you for living like God says,” God says, Yes, they will, but you have Me.”

When the world says, “We will mistreat you to the point of death for talking about Jesus,” God says, “I’ll be right beside you.”

And what do we get by doing this and following God?

Joy!

Over and over, Jesus says, “Blessed are the…”  He is not talking about material prosperity.  That is a lie from Satan that has no place in Christian thought.  He is also not talking about happiness, because happiness depends on circumstances.  For example, a bride and groom are happy on their wedding day, because circumstances dictate that to be the case.  However, in the course of a marriage, there will be times when one or both parties, for whatever reason, are not happy.  But, if they are in a good, God-honoring marriage, they will have joy, because they know their spouse still loves them and is still walking through life with them.  So it is with a Christian.  In Philippians 4:10-13, the apostle Paul said this:

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.  11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (NASB)

Paul wrote these words from a prison cell, but he REJOICED!  He felt joy, because he knew that no matter where he was or what he was doing, Jesus was filling his heart, mind, and soul with the strength to do what needed to be done.  He knew that Jesus was walking with him.

May you all feel that joy that comes from knowing that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life!  May you all find that joy that comes only from Him!