I have learned that, in study, it is better to have a thorough understanding of a single passage than a superficial knowledge of entire chapters or books. To fully possess even a small portion of God's Word for oneself is a great blessing to the individual and to all whom he seeks to impart it. For this purpose I write to you today.
Many of us have read and pondered the Beatitudes and believe we have a thorough understanding of them. I myself thought that at one time. However, the real treasure in the Scriptures is found by deep searching, comparison with like text, and in its context (see Isaiah 28:9-10).
In my life, growing up in a professedly Seventh-Day Adventist home was difficult. A true SDA is known for keeping the whole Law, reflecting Christ in his/her character, and taking the gospel of His kingdom to the world. As I beheld Christ in His Word, I could hardly call myself a Christian (one "resembling Christ"). I never truly understood how to be one. Many “do-not’s” and “should-not’s” created plain boundaries; but this would not satisfy my heart. I knew no fair-weather "Christian" or person merely desiring righteousness would stand faultless in the Day of Judgment. Psalms 51 was my prayer, because my sins were "ever before me." Inside I was broken, and no remedy presented itself in the words of men. Little did I realize my feet were already on the path to life. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6. Seeking Christ, we shall find Him; and having found, beholding Him we will become changed. The Beatitudes, which affirm the Christian's reward, are the stepping stones to true Christianity.
"Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3.
Who are the poor in spirit? For what cause could they deserve the notion that the kingdom of heaven is in their grasp? The poor in spirit have taken their first good look at Christ, and begin to compare His life and character with their own. Those who have a realization of their condition, men sold under sin, feel their inward condemnation and begin searching for hope. These are the poor in spirit. They are turned from the "counsel of the ungodly" and desire freedom from sin. Without this desire, awakened by the working of the Holy Spirit, no one could approach the kingdom of God. But if they continue in this path, this promise may take its complete fulfillment in their lives.
"Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4.
At some point in their lives, everyone mourns. It is inevitable in this world, corrupted by sin and stricken with death. But what mourning provokes the blessing of God? That mourning which draws us nearer to Him; the mourning for sin in our hearts. This should not be confused with mourning the consequences of sin, because God made this plain to us from the beginning; re-expounding them over and over throughout history. We must find a need for and trust in God to "create in {us} a clean heart, and renew a right spirit" in us daily.
"Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5.
What is meekness? In James we are admonished this way, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20. Humility is found when a person continues to look in themselves and again to Christ. Pride, which is often the source of conflict, has no place in the heart. He/She recognizes that all of humanity shares the same affliction, and has less of a regard for his/her exaltation in the sight of others. Slowly, we are learning to add to our faith (our hope) virtue.
"Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6.
What does it mean to hunger and thirst after righteousness? How do we do this? By walking in this path we are drawn nearer to God, and desire His presence more in our lives. We must come to a place where we seek God as we would physical nourishment. It becomes a necessity for our lives as our food and water. We must partake of it daily; have a daily experience with Christ to survive. Praise God, we have this promise: "And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13.
"Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7.
As we continue beholding Christ, we become more like Him; obtaining a knowledge of His great love. His hands were ever outstretched to the needs of humanity, His mouth filled with blessing, His heart filled with compassion. Finding courage in our hope, we find a desire to bless others as He did. He has forgiven us for our sins and taken upon Himself their consequences. Should we also be ready to forgive others who sin against us, or bring kindness to the downtrodden?
"Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8
Where before Christ was knocking at the door; now He has found a home in your heart. Where before your preconceived notions and selfish desires hid His light, Christ shines out of you. This is the final result of submission of the will to Christ. Here we are His. As Christ finds a home in us, so is secured our heavenly home. We shall behold our LORD face to face.
"Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." Matthew 5:9
Christ possesses an eternal love for all of His creatures; fallen man most of all. A heart filled with the love of Christ will do the work of Christ: helping to unite in peace man with his brother, and with his God. We will encourage others in the Truth and show them the road to lasting bliss. We will truly be the salt of the earth, giving others a foretaste of heaven. We will be lights to the world, guiding men to their Savior.
"Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." Matthew 5:10, 11.
The life of Christ was not one of ease. He suffered and by the hands of those whom he lived to save; should it be surprising that we should share in these afflictions? But still, His promise is peace. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33. A child of Christ will be reviled because of the envy and unbelief of men, but he/she will find peace in doing the will of God and hold the token of a clear conscience. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding [and] eternal weight of glory." 2 Corinthians 4:17.
Praise God! He has shown us the Way and will walk with us at each step; for as we "draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to {us}." Today we may choose to walk in His way and be blessed. I pray that He will continue to lead us into His truth this and each day of our lives.
Amen
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