“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Mt 5:9)
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. He is our peace — that is the origin of peace. He made peace between men and God by shedding His blood on the cross. He broke down barriers between men. He is a great peacemaker — He preached peace.
Continue reading
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Mt 5:8)
Just as crystal-clear pure water in a mountain lake allows us to see all the way to the lake’s bottom, a person with a pure heart is transparent in their character. They show favor and extend kindness without expecting anything in return.
“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.” (1 Tim 1:5)
Continue reading
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” (Mt 5:7)
The Song of the Servant in Isaiah 42:1-4 was quoted in Matthew 12:18-21 with reference to Jesus Christ, the Chosen One. Verse 3 depicts that Jesus Christ is compassionate and merciful.
” A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.”
(Isa 42:3 NIV)
“A bruised reed” describes a person who almost breaks down, feeling broken and bruised. “A smoldering wick” describes a person who is hopeless and burned out spiritually.
Continue reading
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Mt 5:6)
Righteousness is holy and upright living, in accordance with God’s standard. God’s character is the definition and source of all righteousness. He is all holy, just and good; He is the standard of righteousness. Therefore, the righteousness of man is defined by doing what is right in God’s eyes.
To hunger means to be needy. It is joined with thirst. When man is spiritually reborn, he has a God-given hunger and thirst or inner passion for righteousness. This hunger and thirst continue throughout the life of the believer. The act of hungering and thirsting for righteousness is the by-product of a renewed life. We can become righteous in Christ and be led in the paths of righteousness through His presence within.
Continue reading
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Mt 5:4)
This beatitude states that those who mourn are blessed. Mourning is to feel grief or sorrow mainly for sins or offences. This sorrow can also be caused by misfortunes such as loss of money and illness. In our Christian journey of faith, trials, conflicts, battles, and testing lie along the way and are to be counted not as misfortunes, but rather, as part of our necessary discipline. Often, we run from the purging and pruning, forgetting the Gardener knows that the deeper the cutting and trimming, the richer the cluster that grows. So, we should follow wherever He leads us, let the path be dreary or bright, for we know that our God can give comfort, our God can give songs in the night.
Continue reading