BEATITUDES A term that comes from the Latin word beatitudo; it is not used in the English Bible. Technically it means “blessedness” as described in the Old and New Testament. To be “blessed” means that one has been given a gift or a kindness by God. The phrase “happy is,” or “blessed is,” appears often in the book of Psalms (used 26 times) and in Proverbs (8 times). It is used 10 times in the other books of the Old Testament and 13 times in the Apocrypha. These Beatitudes describe the person who is righteous, someone who has faith and hope in God. They are signs of a life lived in relation God’s forgiveness, love, and favor. These blessings apply to the whole person, whether in family life, in worship, in public life, or in one’s inner self. The blessed person is in touch with the fruitfulness of the Creator himself. He or she lives a fulfilled life, life as God intended it to be lived. In the New Testament, “blessing” is mentioned seven times in the book of Revelation, three times in the Epistle to the Romans, and once in John’s Gospel. The idea appears so often in Matthew and Luke that the term “Beatitudes” was invented to describe the way the concept is used in these books. There are interesting contrasts between Luke’s “sermon on the plain” (Luke 6:20-23----20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Notes? Most likely, Jesus gave these teachings primarily to the disciples with the crowds listening in. Jesus’ newly chosen disciples, the twelve men who would be his closest associates, might have become tempted to feel proud and important. After all, Jesus’ popularity continued to grow, as seen in the multitude with them at that moment. The disciples, riding on the wave of Jesus’ popularity, needed to first understand the priorities of God’s Kingdom. In addition, many of these disciples were confused about what exactly Jesus was going to do. The Gospels present a group of men who, while believing, never quite understood Jesus’ coming death and resurrection until they witnessed it for themselves. So Jesus told them here, in no uncertain terms, that they should not expect fame and fortune in this world, for that is not what Jesus came to bring. They would indeed be “blessed,” but by a different Kingdom’s standards. These verses are called the Beatitudes, from the Latin word meaning “blessing.” They describe what it means to be Christ’s follower. They are standards of conduct; they contrast Kingdom values with worldly values, showing what Christ’s followers can expect from the world and what God will give them. They contrast fake piety with true humility; they show how Old Testament expectations are fulfilled in God’s Kingdom. The word “blessed” means more than happiness; it means favored and approved by God. The first “blessing” is reserved for you who are poor. These are the people who have nothing but God on whom to depend. They realize that they have nothing of their own to give to God and therefore must depend on his mercy. Jesus says, “The Kingdom of God is given to you.” Notice that he does not say, “will be given,” but “is given.” Accepting Jesus into one’s heart brings that person into the Kingdom, even as he or she lives on earth. Jesus was not exalting poverty; instead, he was clarifying that these are the results of discipleship and that the disciples would ultimately be blessed because they could count on Jesus, the Son of Man. In these Beatitudes, Jesus was not cursing all that is part of life—such as laughter, fun, happiness, money, food—but if these become the focus of life without regard to God, then a person cannot be “blessed” by God.21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Notes --22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company.....The hunger about which Jesus spoke is a hunger based on poverty because of one’s lot in life or for taking a stand with Christ. The word hungry pictures an intense longing that needs to be satisfied; people who do not get food will eventually die of hunger. Jesus’ promise to those with this kind of hunger is “you will be satisfied.” Jesus will completely satisfy those with spiritual hunger. Jesus promises that those who weep now . . . will laugh with joy. Scholars differ on the exact nature of this “weeping.” Jesus may have been referring to the nation of Israel weeping for its sins; others interpret this more personally, explaining that it refers to those who weep for their own sins or even for personal grief or oppression. Still other scholars see in the word “weeping” a picture of God’s people who suffer because of their faith in him. Most likely it refers to people who are sensitive to the world’s sin and resultant suffering. While their pain is real, they can know the end of the story and laugh., and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. Notes -To be surrounded by hateful people would hardly make a person feel like the object of blessing. But Kingdom values are the opposite of this world’s values. Jesus explained to his disciples that not only would they, like anyone else, experience poverty and sorrow in this life, but they also would be actively persecuted. They would be hated, excluded, mocked, and cursed—the one common factor would be that this would occur because they believed in Jesus. Surely this must have sounded strange to the disciples on the mountainside, surrounded by literally a multitude of people desiring to get close to Jesus. Yet Jesus saw what the future held, and he warned them accordingly. Jesus also comforted them by saying that when they faced persecution, they were to rejoice. No matter what those who hate Jesus attempt to do to his followers on earth, a great reward awaits them in heaven. Jesus placed his disciples in a long line of God’s followers who lived righteously and spoke truthfully—only to suffer for it. The Jews held the ancient prophets of God in high esteem; to be placed among them was a great honor. Jesus explained that to live and speak for God in the face of unjust persecution, as did the ancient prophets, would bring great reward in heaven.--24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.----Notes --The next three verses contain sorrows that give the flip side of the “blessings” in the previous verses. While most in the world see riches as desirable and as a sign of God’s blessing, Jesus says the opposite. He pronounces sorrows on those who are rich. Jesus probably addressed these comments to his audience at large. Jesus does not decry riches themselves but their effect on people. Riches cause people to feel self-sufficient and to feel that they have found the happiness for which they were seeking. Those who choose present comfort over God’s way have their only happiness now. Those who try to find fulfillment through wealth will find that wealth is the only reward they will ever get and that it does not last. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Notes ---The words satisfied and prosperous refer to those who have everything that this world offers. They lack nothing. Their material possessions and financial “security” cause them to think that they have no need for God. One day, however, they will face a time of awful hunger. This may not occur in this life, but they will find that for eternity, when it really matters, they will be the ones who suffer. The Gospel later records a parable of a rich man and a poor man that illustrates this point (see 16:19-31). In much the same way, those who laugh carelessly will one day face mourning and sorrow that will last for eternity. Jesus was not against laughter—indeed, laughter is one of the greatest gifts God has given to his people. Jesus was pointing at the same attitude carried by those who are rich and self-satisfied in this life and give superficial laughter at any mention of God or of eternity. They will find that they were wrong, and they will mourn and weep forever.---26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.Notes ---Jesus points out a serious problem facing those who are praised by the crowds. While being spoken well of is certainly a worthy goal, rarely can a person be spoken well of by everyone and have everyone completely agree with him or her on every topic. One cannot be pleasing to everyone in that way without sacrificing some principle here or another there. Such a person must waffle in all areas of life so everyone will like him or her. One group in the Old Testament was praised by everyone, from the king to the common people—they were the false prophets. The ancestors of these Israelites listening to Jesus had spoken well of the false prophets. They were praised by kings and crowds because their predictions—personal prosperity and victory in war—were exactly what the people wanted to hear. Unfortunately, their words were shown to be lies as the nations of Israel and later Judah lost their freedom and their homeland when they were taken into captivity. Popularity is no guarantee of a person’s truthfulness; human flattery does not bring God’s approval. Sadness lies ahead for those who chase after the crowd’s praise rather than God’s truth. Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5:3-12 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Notes --- The Beatitudes describe how Christ’s followers should live. Each beatitude tells how to be blessed. To be blessed means more than happiness; it means to be favored and approved by God. According to worldly standards, the types of people whom Jesus described don’t seem to be particularly blessed by God. But God’s way of living usually contradicts the world’s. Jesus explained that “God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.” Only those who humbly depend on God are admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven. The final consummation of all these rewards, and of the Kingdom itself, lies in the future. However, believers can already share in the Kingdom (as far as it has been revealed) by living out Jesus’ words. -4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Notes In another seeming contradiction in terms, Jesus explained that “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Tied with the beatitude in verse 3, this means that humility (realization of one’s unworthiness before God) also requires sorrow for sins. Whether Jesus’ followers mourn for sin or in suffering, God’s promise is sure that they will be comforted. Only God can take away sorrow for sin; only God can forgive and erase it. Only God can give comfort to those who suffer for his sake because they know their reward in the Kingdom. SORROW WHEN MIGHT WE EXPECT TO EXPERIENCE SORROW? BIBLE READING: Judges 2:1-5 KEY BIBLE VERSE: When the angel of the LORD finished speaking, the Israelites wept loudly. So they called the place “Weeping,” and they offered sacrifices to the LORD. (Judges 2:4-5) SOMETIMES SORROW IS A NECESSARY PART OF REPENTANCE. The people of Israel knew they had sinned, and they wept aloud, responding with deep sorrow. Because we have a tendency to sin, repentance is the true measure of spiritual sensitivity. Repentance means asking God to forgive us, and then abandoning our sinful ways. But we cannot do this sincerely unless we are truly sorry for our sinful actions. When we are aware that we have done wrong, we should admit it plainly to God rather than try to cover it up or hope we can get away with it. BIBLE READING: Luke 15:1-32 KEY BIBLE VERSE: When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, “At home even the hired men have food enough to spare, and here I am, dying of hunger!” (Luke 15:17) SOMETIMES SORROW IS THE CLUE THAT CONVINCES US WE HAVE SINNED. The younger son, like many who are rebellious and immature, wanted to be free to live as he pleased, and he had to hit bottom before he came to his senses. It often takes great sorrow and tragedy to cause people to look to the only one who can help them. Are you trying to live life your own way, selfishly pushing aside any responsibility or commitment that gets in your way? Stop and look before you hit bottom. You will save yourself and your family much grief. BIBLE READING: Revelation 7:1-17 KEY BIBLE VERSE: The Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away all their tears. (Revelation 7:17) WE MAY EXPERIENCE SORROW WHILE WE ARE HERE ON EARTH, BUT SOMEDAY, SORROW WILL BE NO MORE. In verses 1-8 we see the believers receiving a seal to protect them through a time of great tribulation and suffering; in verses 9-17 we see the believers finally with God in heaven. All who have been faithful through the ages are singing before God’s throne. Their tribulations and sorrows are over: no more tears for sin, for all sins are forgiven; no more tears for suffering, for all suffering is over; no more tears for death, for all believers have been resurrected to die no more. SORROW, GOD’S WORD ON One of the great common denominators of human experience is sorrow. Guaranteed. From the loss of a pet in childhood, to the loss of a childhood through abuse or neglect; from a child losing a parent, to a parent losing a child; sorrow is inevitable. From the predictable and necessary to the random and tragic-the losses of life drape the hallways of our years. The Bible acknowledges that sorrow and grief are part and parcel of human life, even for those who love God. But Scripture does not leave sorrow as the last word. God redeems our losses with his own promise of comfort and hope. I HAVE TROUBLE RECONCILING THE SORROW AND GRIEF OF LIFE WITH THE LOVE OF GOD. IS GOD CONCERNED ABOUT OUR PAIN? Isaiah 53:3 . . . He was despised and rejected-a man of sorrows. Through the pain and sorrow of Christ’s experiences on earth, God has experienced the depths of human grief. John 11:35-36 . . . Then Jesus wept. The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him.” The tears of Jesus demonstrate that great grief is the result of great love. Luke 19:41-44 . . . As they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry. Jesus grieves when those he loves do not respond to his offer of salvation. 1 Peter 5:7 . . . Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you. God cares not only about our eternal future, but also about our present troubles. FAITH DOES NOT PREVENT THE EXPERIENCE OF DEEP SADNESS. 2 Samuel 18:32-33 . . . My son, my son Absalom! If only I could have died instead of you! King David’s reaction to the loss of his son was a classic response of grief. Mark 14:32-36 . . . He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.” The anticipated suffering that was to come on the cross brought Jesus great sorrow and pain. Matthew 17:22-23 . . . The disciples’ hearts were filled with grief. Even having been promised that Jesus would rise from the dead, the disciples still grieved his death. THE BELIEVER’S SORROW IS FILLED WITH HOPE. Psalm 30:5 . . . Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. John 16:20 . . . You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy when you see me again. Revelation 21:4 . . . He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. God promises to relieve our weeping and replace it with his joy. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 . . . I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. The believer’s grief is filled with hope through the promise of heaven. THE EXPERIENCE OF SORROW DEEPENS THE BELIEVER’S COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. Romans 12:15 . . . If they are sad, share their sorrow. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 . . . He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. Those who have received the comfort of Christ in the midst of grief become a comforting presence to others. AT TIMES MY SORROW IS SO DEEP I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT OR HOW TO PRAY. Romans 8:26-27 . . . The Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. PROMISE FROM GOD: Isaiah 25:8 . . . He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. Revelation 21:4 . . . He will remove all of their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Notes -- “God blesses those who are gentle and lowly, for the whole earth will belong to them.” The words translated gentle and lowly convey humility and trust in God. Gentle and lowly people do not look down on themselves, but they do not think too highly of themselves either. Ironically, it will not be the arrogant and wealthy people who get everything. Instead, the whole earth will belong to the gentle. Jesus used “earth” to refer to the future inheritance of the Kingdom. According to Revelation 21–22, believers will enjoy a new heaven and a new earth. God will one day freely give his true disciples what they did not grasp for themselves on earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Notes ---“God blesses those who are hungry and thirsty for justice, for they will receive it in full.” The words hungry and thirsty picture intense longings that people desire to satisfy—necessities that they cannot live without. Those who have an intense longing for justice (righteousness) are blessed. Most likely, this refers to personal justice—being so filled with God that the person completely does God’s will. Justice refers to total discipleship and complete obedience. It may also refer to justice for the entire world—an end to the sin and evil that fill it. In both cases, God’s promise is sure; they will receive it in full. He will completely satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Notes --“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Merciful people realize that, because they received mercy from God, they must extend mercy to others. Mercy implies generosity, forgiveness, and compassion, and a desire to remove the wrong as well as alleviate the suffering. This promise does not guarantee mercy from people. The believers’ comfort comes in the knowledge that, no matter how the world treats them, God will show them mercy both now and when he returns. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Notes God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.” People characterized as pure in heart are morally pure, honest, and sincere. They are people of integrity and single-minded commitment to God. Because of their sincere devotion to Christ, they will see God here and now through the eyes of faith (Hebrews 11:27), and finally face-to-face (1 John 3:2). 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Notes “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” God calls his children to be peacemakers. This involves action, not just passive compliance. Peacemakers actively work for peace, to cause reconciliation, to end bitterness and strife. This peace is not appeasement but dealing with and solving problems to maintain peace. Arrogant, selfish people do not concern themselves with peacemaking. Peacemakers will be called the children of God because they reflect their Father’s character. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Notes “God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Persecution should not surprise Christians. People who put others before themselves will seldom receive applause and honors. Often, they will be persecuted instead. Because they live for God, they stand out from the world and become marks for enemy attacks. The world is under Satan’s control, and believers belong to the opposing army. The reward for these believers will be the Kingdom of Heaven. God will make up for the suffering that his children have undergone because of their loyalty to him. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Notes --God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers.” Jesus was telling his disciples that they shouldn’t be surprised when people mock them, persecute them, and lie about them. Jesus would face such treatment. Later, he explained to his followers that they should expect nothing different (10:18; 24:9; John 15:20). 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Notes Jesus described the way the disciples should respond to persecution: “Be happy about it! Be very glad!” This refers to deep, spiritual joy that is unhindered and unchanged by what happens in this present life. A person with righteous character can rejoice and be glad because of the promise: a great reward awaits you in heaven. The persecution will pale in comparison to the great reward. Besides that, the disciples had good company: the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. Jesus placed his disciples in a long line of God’s followers who lived righteously and spoke truthfully—only to suffer for it. Jesus explained that to live and speak for God in the face of unjust persecution, as the ancient prophets did, would bring great reward in heaven. Matthew and Luke’s sermons on the mount are so similar that many scholars believe them to be reports of the same event. In Luke, Jesus pronounces blessings on several different kinds of people immediately after he selects the 12 disciples (Luke 6:12-16). Yet the sermon is addressed to the crowd and speaks of the God’s kingdom as a great reversal, in which human social conditions will be turned upside-down: the poor will be rich, etc. So Luke balances four blessings with four woes (“Woe to you who are rich,” etc.) to add to this sense of contrast. He uses the future tense to suggest that this is what will happen when the kingdom of God has come. In Matthew, the advent of the kingdom has already begun—Jesus uses the present tense. He talks mainly to the disciples. Two of his statements set the agenda for his speech. First, he has not come to destroy but to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5:17). Second, it is necessary to have a kind of righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees (5:20). So these Beatitudes are more concerned with the interior life of the disciples. These eight Beatitudes describe the qualities of people who belong to Christ’s kingdom and who are the saved, who therefore reflect Christ’s own life. The people and situations that Jesus describes may seem pitiable by human standards, but because of God’s presence in their lives, they are blessed and should be imitated. God Save the World, Inc.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Aug 2014 04:43:26 +0000