The Beatitudes - Pt 5

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6 ESV).

 

In our reading today, Jesus uses the most basic physical needs of survival—hunger and thirst—to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. To truly "hunger and thirst" means to have a deep, desperate, and continuous longing for something. Augustine had something very insightful to say about this truth in Jesus’ fourth beatitude: “Thou madest us for Thyself, and our heart is restless, until it rest in Thee.” God has put eternity in our hearts and we have an inconsolable longing. We try to satisfy it with scenic vacations, accomplishments of creativity, stunning cinematic productions, sexual exploits, national sports extravaganzas, hallucinogenic drugs, ascetic rigors, managerial excellence, and other things that all leave us with the same longing. Like Solomon we come to the conclusion that “everything under the sun is vanity” (cf. Ecclesiastes 1:14).

 

Incredibly this emptiness can be remedied. The Prophet Isaiah said:

 

[The Lord said] “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.” (Isaiah 55:1–3 ESV).

 

Make it the passion and pursuit of your life to do acts of righteousness. Don’t settle for the little half-hearted satisfaction of achieving mere position, power, or wealth. A small kindness to another person, or a word of gratitude to another for their help, or simply listening to the hurt of another with understanding and compassion are the things of righteousness. We jump so quickly to “win” over others in a competition that means nothing but more emptiness in our hearts and souls. Hunger and thirst for righteousness and you will be fully satisfied with the best of God!

 

The Beatitudes - Pt 4

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5 ESV).

 

I remember well the first time I translated this verse from Greek. I was in my first semester of Greek at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. My professor, Dr. Doug Ezell, asked the class, “What did you find unusual in the assigned text.” Since there were so many more experienced students of the Bible, I was hesitant to say anything. One student, who was very eager to impress everyone with his acumen in the Scripture, began to talk about the importance of the word translated “meek” to the authority and organization of both the family and the church. Dr. Ezell was very patient and allowed him to go on for a bit. After the student had finished his sermonette, Dr. Ezell, said, nice sermonette, but you are wrong.” I was terrified to speak for sure then. Surely I couldn’t be correct.

 

No one dared offer their opinion. Sitting on the front row with my notes in front of me, he looked at me and said, “Don, what do you think?” My first thought was not something I would want to write in this context; however, I gathered myself and said, “I think Jesus was describing strength under control, power rightly directed.” To my amazement, he walked to my desk and scribbled an “A” on my assignment!

 

In biblical contexts, meekness (from the Greek word praüs) does not mean weakness or passivity. It is often described as strength under control. The ancient Greeks used this term to describe a wild horse that had been broken and trained for service. When Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth," He is not talking about being passive or weak, biblical meekness is defined as strength under control—a posture of deliberate humility, holy restraint, and absolute trust in God's sovereignty. It is achieved through relationship not position like the Pharisees.

 

The result of such strength is the “inheriting of the earth.” It is clear that if you want power, you must be willing to be under the control of the greatest power found only in the Holy Spirit of God. It is the perfect picture of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Are you willing to serve?

 

The Beatitudes - Pt 3

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 ESV)

 

Jesus now comes to the second declaration that those who “mourn” will be comforted. The word for “mourn is πενθοῦντες (penthountes).  It is from the root word “penthos”; which means to grieve, either the feeling or the act. It is a very strong image, calling to mind the act of wailing. The verb appears ten times in the Greek New Testament and consistently depicts profound sorrow that is either godly—aligned with repentance and dependence on the Lord—or worldly, lamenting the loss of earthly pleasure and prosperity. In the Septuagint, πενθέω renders Hebrew terms for lamentation over death (cf. Genesis 37:34), national calamity (cf. Isaiah 19:8), and personal sin (cf. Joel 2:12). This background supplies the prophetic texture heard in New Testament calls to mourn, linking grief to covenant violation and anticipation of divine comfort.

 

While the grief experienced in the death of a loved one is intensely painful, this is not what Jesus is talking about in this verse. Of course, Jesus gives comfort to those who grieve in such experiences; however, here He is talking more than that. He highlights a countercultural promise of God's comfort. It generally carries two main interpretations. The first is sorrow over sin. It is the mourning over personal brokenness, wrongdoing, and the fallen nature of the world, which ultimately leads to repentance and grace. And, second, it is grief over hardship. Experiencing deep personal loss or suffering, with the promise that God sees their pain and will provide divine peace and comfort.

 

David expresses this grief in the Psalms when he writes his song of repentance: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.” (Psalm 51:7-8 ESV). We can infer two principles here. First, if, and sadly when we sin, we have a recourse. Turn and confess. And, second, now we find even joy, gladness, and rejoicing. This is the real comfort of God’s work!

 

The Beatitudes - Pt 2

 

[Jesus said] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:3 ESV).

 

As we begin our trek through the Beatitudes it is helpful to read the words of Augustine as he begins his exposition of these virtues:

 

“If any one will piously and soberly consider the sermon which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke on the mount, as we read it in the Gospel according to Matthew, I think that he will find in it, so far as regards the highest morals, a perfect standard of the Christian life: and this we do not rashly venture to promise, but gather it from the very words of the Lord Himself. For the sermon itself is brought to a close in such a way, that it is clear there are in it all the precepts which go to mould the life.”

 

We can find “a perfect standard of the Christian life” in the teaching of Jesus here. Our problem, as is often the case, is in the interpretation of these words. So, today, we consider what Jesus means when He indicates our focus should be in being “poor in spirit.” The Greek word used for “poor” is πτωχός (ptóchos). It is a straight-forward word used over 30 times in the New Testament. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance it means “to crouch; akin to ptoeo and the alternate of pipto.” It may be translated as beggar (as cringing). The idea is that of a pauper strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy.” It has then been translated as “poor.” The idea is “bankrupt.”

 

Jesus then qualifies this description by saying it abject poverty “in spirit.” This refers to spiritual humility. It describes someone who recognizes their spiritual bankruptcy, their inability to earn salvation, and their complete dependence on God. There is no other way to gain the Kingdom of God.

 

I always find it interesting how so many people somehow believe at some level that they can do enough good things to balance the bad, perhaps even outweighing the bad enough that they can gain the Kingdom of God which they so desperately seek. The prophet Isaiah wrote: “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 ESV). 

The only source of assurance in eternal life is in the gift of God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Faith in His work and the humility that comes from it results in heaven! What are you trusting in?

 

The Beatitudes - Pt 1

 

Seeing the crowds, he [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1–12 ESV).

 

I have looked back in the archives of Morning Devotionals and have not found any that I have used containing all of the verses of today’s reading in at least five years. They are known commonly as “the Beatitudes,” and are a part of the larger teaching of Jesus that is known as “the Sermon on the Mount” (cf. Matthew 5-7). I must confess that these devotionals will read a bit more pedantic rather than inspirational. However, when we understand that discipleship is about learning as much as being encouraged, we are able to receive the full blessing of God’s intent to sanctify us making us fit for our heavenly home. So, today, we will begin our journey through these verses with a bit of background and end with a bit of wisdom.

 

The Beatitudes are a set of teachings delivered by Jesus Christ within the context of His teaching the multitudes that gathered on the hillside in northern Israel on the northwestern shores of the Sea of Galilee. This site overlooks the fertile Plain of Gennesaret and sits near the ancient fishing village of Capernaum. They consist of eight powerful declarations of blessing, each outlining a specific virtue or circumstance that leads to this divine favor and a spiritual reward.

 

The word “beatitudes” is derived from the Latin beatus ("blessed" or "happy"). The Beatitudes are a revolutionary framework for Christian living that challenges traditional values of power and wealth. These teachings outline the values of God's Kingdom on Earth, often focusing on inner virtue over external status. Since we are nearly overwhelmed with the concept of “more” in our culture, especially wealth, power, and prominence it will serve us well to understand and practice each of these in our lives.

 

Two of the questions we may start with in beginning this series are “Am I happy? Am I Blessed?” Using those as a prompt for meditation we may arrive at the conclusion that we are chasing the wrong things for happiness and blessing. Then it becomes easier to make the course corrections Jesus indicates in these declarations.

God is Faithful in His Protection

 

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12–13 ESV).

 

Our reading today is well known to most of us. We have read or heard it spoken many times. Yet, if you are like me, you have wondered at those times when we feel our weakest that it cannot be true. However, that feeling does not diminish the truth of it. There is so much comfort in this verse. First, it says that there is no unprecedented temptation. Countless others before us have walked through the same temptations, and none of those trials are a surprise to God. And “God is faithful” not to let us have more than we can handle. He will always make a path of faithfulness for us. God will always make the pathway out clear. There will be a way of escape.

 

God is faithful to look out for our spiritual growth and salvation!  He desires to make us righteous!  He never tempts us.  However, He does test us, providing opportunities to prove us faithful.  When we demonstrate ourself to be faithful, He credits us with righteousness!  Yes, God is sweet!  He tests us to bless us! Heaven is going to be awesome!!

 

If you are experiencing trial or temptation, please understand that Jesus knows exactly what you are going through.  God manifested Himself in the flesh to be our example!  No temptation is stronger than our spiritual assets.  Through Scripture, we are instructed in the way to escape temptation.  We have help with faithfulness and self-control from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Christ knows our strengths and weaknesses and has angels on guard for our well-being. Don’t be tempted to turn your back on God.  Be faithful to trust Him wholeheartedly.  He will help bear your load and escape temptation as He sees you through to a much brighter and greener pasture.

 

God is Faithful in His Eternal Love

 

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. (Psalm 36:5–9 ESV).

 

The playground taunt of “you’re an Indian giver” has existed for literally over 200 years. But the concept of "Indian giving" has been misunderstood and misinterpreted for nearly all those years. The concept of an "Indian gift" or an "Indian giver" traces its roots back to at least the 1700s. In his 1765 History of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Thomas Hutchinson defined an Indian gift as a present "for which an equivalent return is expected." During their legendary journey West in 1804, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark often encountered Native Americans over the course of their travels. The picture the pair paints of Indians and their culture was not pretty. Lewis and Clark frequently suspected Indians of either stealing their belongings or plotting to do so. This concept stuck. Author David Wilton argues in his 2004 book Word Myths: Debunking Linguistic Urban Legends that the concept of an "Indian gift" arose when white settlers misinterpreted the Native American concept of bartering:

 

"To an Indian, the giving of gifts was an extension of this system of trade, and a gift was expected to be reciprocated with something of equal value. Europeans, upon encountering this practice, misunderstood it, considering it uncouth and impolite. To them, trade was conducted with money, and gifts were freely given with nothing expected in return. So, this native practice got a bad reputation among the white colonists of North America and the term eventually became a playground insult."

 

In the spirit of the correct understanding of an “Indian giver,” that is to say someone who gives or receives with an expectation of reciprocation, let me say, God is not such a giver. He gives His love with no requirements of a return gift. That is the very definition of grace. The apostle Paul explains this in his letter to the Romans:

 

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6–8 ESV).

 

This is the central essence of God’s love for His children. He gives without expectation of anything in return. Of course, that does not mean we should not express our gratitude. However, our act of gratitude is not the motivation for God’s love. He loves us because that is who He is! Now, that sustains and encourages me, because I have nothing worthy to give in return. Yet, He loves me! He loves me because I am His child, not because of what I do or don’t do! Hallelujah!