February 25, 2021

BLESSED

Matthew 5:3-12

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 filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain 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 they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Encouraging Words

How is it that those who support the gospel of prosperity skip over this sermon by Jesus on the mount of Olives? There is nothing in here about being rewarded with great wealth or position by living a Christian life. To the contrary, we are told that those who are poor in spirit, mourn, are meek, who hunger and thirst after righteousness, are merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, persecuted for righteousness sake, and reviled and persecuted for Christ's sake, are the ones who receive the blessings from God. And to top that off, the blessings have nothing to do with worldly riches. The blessings are heavenly focused blessings. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!