Blessed

There are lots of ways to read and receive the first statements from the Jesus' sermon (what we call the Beatitudes). Here are two ways that I tend to reflect on them:

1.) With the way my brain is wired, it is important for me to reflect on the language of blessing in the beatitudes. If I'm not careful (and perhaps you are like me), I will treat these statements as only another list of characteristics to achieve, and good works to perform. So I must be intentional about first accepting Jesus' words as good news. He has seen us. He knows our struggles. He knows that both the highs and lows of life, even the life that is pursuing God, can feel hopeless at times. And he now offers us hope...a promise that our condition will find blessing in his kingdom. Yes, it is possible that Jesus' first words to the crowd were not harsh criticism, or overwhelming demand...but loving blessings!

2. As I whisper these promises of blessing from Jesus, I find myself making an internal commitment to be a blessing to other people too. When I rehearse his words, "Blessed are the poor in spirit," I find myself adding something like, "and I will seek to be a blessing to those who are broken, undone, and in need." "Blessed are those who mourn," becomes, "I will seek to be a blessing to the people I meet who are sad, hurt deeply by loss, and struggling to move through their present pain." So these words full of blessing and promise become a request: Lord, as you have so freely poured your love and blessings into my life...so make me a blessing to your world!

So, as you repeat over and over again Jesus' beatitudes, what rises to the surface? Do you find that one theme or one phrase has special meaning to you? Is there a blessing, encouragement, or command that especially rings true?