We’ve all heard people say how blessed they are. That’s usually when they think about their life and family, the good things they have to enjoy.
We don’t expect someone to consider themselves blessed if they are suffering or struggling.
Jesus always puts a different light on things!
This version of the Beatitudes from The Message version of the Bible, are beautiful, and shed a whole new light on their meaning for us today:
You’re Blessed
5 1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Jesus isn’t just trying to look for the good points in suffering and troubles, but showing what they mean about us and his kingdom. These are all about right priorities – and God being there in that. Our weaknesses allow God’s strength to come through. Our struggles are sometimes our successes. Our short comings are where God steps in. People’s opposition show we’re doing something right.
God so wants to bless you – will you let him?
And as he blesses you, will you bless those around you?
Thank you God
that you pour so many blessings on me,
those I see
and those I don’t recognize.
Help me to live by faith in you,
to walk in your ways,
and let you make me the person
you have in mind for me to be
Posted in bible, God, Jesus, Lectionary, Religion
Tags: Blessing, Matthew 5:1-12, turning life upside down
Pam's Perambulation 