The Beatitudes

I've been greatly blessed these few days meditating on the Beatitudes. The first three might be considered negative by some people. They speak to us about giving up we are prone to as human beings.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven." In our so called affluent society there are still many poor people. It seems we are saying "Happy are the poor." Does this extol the virtue of poverty? Poverty in itself does not elevate, it depresses and degrades. As Christians we should do all we can to help those who are poor.

Jesus was referring to the poor in spirit. By ourselves we cannot cope with life's demands, so we turn to the Lord for help. We must know our inadequacy, our own helplessness and turn to Him who is the Great Provider of our needs. We come to Him with empty hands to receive His rich blessings.

"Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted." This verse is linked with the previous one. We recognise our spiritual poverty and mourn over this state. We read that Jesus is a 'man of sorrows and acquainted with grief'.  He is also a man of joy. As the writer of the devotional puts it "Jesus is not only a man of sorrows, He is also as man of furious joy. The oil of gladness flows, not from outward circumstances, but from the centre of his being where God lives and rules. Those who share in his suffering know the secret of his joy. They will be comforted." God sees our tears and sees our aching hearts.

William Barclay has this to say, "O the bliss of the man whose heart is broken for the world's suffering and for his own sin, for out of his sorrow he will find the joy of God."

The next speaks about the virtue of being "meek" We used to sing in our younger days the song,
"Gentle Jesus, meek and mind, Look upon this little child,
Pity my simplicity, suffer me to come to Thee."

The word 'meek' is a much misunderstood word. Again let me refer to William Barclay who says,
"Those whose strength is in their gentleness."

Catherine Baird in one of her poems expressed

"His Kingdom cometh not by force
    But by the gentle power
Of righteousness and truth and grace,
   He triumphs every hour."

So may we too. Se have much to learn about gentleness or meekness. It is strength in control.

Today's reading is on the verse, "Blessed are those whose hunger and thirsty  for righteousness, for they will be filled. Hungry - well we Singaporeans know that. Look at the Food Court, the Kopitiam, the Restaurants, Cafes - they are doing good business.

It's a positive statement! Hungering for righteousness, thirsting for justice! We are not only to practise righteous living, but take our stand for justice and truth! Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people (Prov. 14: 34) I love that beautiful verse in the Shepherd psalm, "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" Psalm 23: 4

Let's continue reflecting on the precious truths of the gospel.