Blessed

How many times have I thanked the Lord for the 'blessings' He has poured on my life.
He has given me so much - a wonderful husband, beautiful children, a comfortable home, an amazing church, a free country, financial security, the list goes on and on. . .


What did Christ know of these during His walk here?
His ministry was marked with trials and discomfort. 
The life I think leads to fulfillment is strangely unlike that of my Lord's.


Jesus' journey did not come with a spouse, children, or even a home.  He was thrown out of countless synagogues that claimed to have God followers, but when God himself spoke in their midst He was cast out.  His country was dominated by Roman rule and harsh leaders.  He found no joy in money or things. 


Yet He is the Prince of Peace.  Peace marked His walk.  Peace without prosperity.  Peace with Promise.


When Christ spoke of those who are blessed He said this,

                 "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
                  Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
                  Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth.
                  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
                      for they will be filled.
                  Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.
                  Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.
                  Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.
                  Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteouness
                      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."      
                                                                                                                          Matthew 5:3-10


The mourning ones are blessed. 
The humble, hurting, hungering ones have blessing.
Blessing comes to the pure, peacemaking, persecuted ones.


So, in light of this, what is true blessing?

The blessing comes in the burden.

There is blessing in brokeness.

The blessing is this:  HOPE and JOY in all circumstances.


Only when we come to Jesus at the point of our weakness, knowing there is not one good thing in us, coming with the meekness of a child, coming and giving all of ourselves to lay at the feet of the Savior.
When we come hurting in our poorness of spirit, weeping, and humble He lifts us up and teaches us what it means to forsake the world and hunger for His righteousness, His purity, His holiness.  Then we can reach out to the other hurting hearts in great mercy and compassion, living with pure hearts, seeking peace.  Once the blessing of these has been given, we may even drink the cup of being persecuted for His names' sake. 


The song of blessing can be heard as Paul sings it from the prison, as Peter speaks it at his crucifixtion, as John proclaims it before being boiled in oil, as the saints spoke it before being made into fiery lamps for Nero's gardens.  The blessed ones know the hope and joy that is found in Christ alone. 

In this, Christ says, "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven."     Matt. 5:12




I have much to learn about the true meaning of blessedness.