Reflect
What does it mean to be blessed? This is a term that religious people often use, and it is open to a variety of interpretations. Jesus uses it here in this section of the Sermon on the Mount known as the Beatitudes. The word “beatitudes” comes from a Latin word that means to bless.
We usually understand God’s blessings as material rewards for doing the right thing or being faithful as Christians. But here, in this series of statements where Jesus uses the word “blessed” nine times, he does so in a way that is far deeper, far richer and far more wonderful than simply money or material goods.
To be blessed, in the way of the beatitudes, is to understand yourself the way God sees you. The first four beatitudes focus on our vertical relationship – the relationship we have with God. The second four beatitudes focus on our horizontal relationships – the relationships we have with other people. In each of these God shows us a rich promise that is ultimately based upon his grace as a God who delights to bless his children.
Therefore, verse 3 is foundational: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” To be poor in spirit is simply to admit your need of God’s grace in your life. It is to know beyond a shadow of doubt that you do not deserve to inherit the kingdom of heaven but that God is gracious enough to give it to you as an inheritance. That is what it means to be blessed by God.
Clay Holland is the Executive Minister of Christ the King Presbyterian Church.
Pray
Have you experienced God’s blessing in all of its richness? Meditate on the beatitudes, and make the words of Augustus Toplady in the hymn “Rock of Ages” yours, especially verse 3.
Rock of Ages
By Augustus Toplady
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power.
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All could never sin erase,
Thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to thee for dress,
Helpless, look to thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in thee.
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