Blessed Peace (Matthew 5:9)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, NASB95)

Peace is a huge subject in the Bible. It is the desire of most people’s hearts, and there is frequently no length that people would not go in order to obtain that peace. For many this peace is equated with calm, and with calm there is the picture of not making waves. The hard part of this, however, is that we live in a world where waves are part of the normal course of events.

This is particularly so when beliefs, values, preferences, or desires between individuals or groups of individuals clash. We are seeing this today as one traditional value position of this country upon another is challenged. This is not a new world condition. Jesus, Himself, knew the harsh response of those who were opposed to Him and the message He proclaimed. The apostles and early followers of Christ knew intense persecution as a result of their faith, many even were likely not outspoken but merely known to be followers of the Way.

This was the mission of a man named Saul, as we read in Acts “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1–2, NASB95)

But then something radical happened in Saul’s life. Acts 9 goes on to record, “As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.” (Acts 9:3-8) After arriving at Damascus God sent someone to tell Paul what was to be his new purpose … “But the Lord said to him [Ananias], “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”” (Acts 9:15–16, NASB95)

The gospel message has enemies. This is a reality. But God is able to change enemies’ hearts just as He did Paul’s. Paul wrote this about even the hatefulness of the Jews and the ultimate purpose of God in chapter 11 of Romans, where we read, “From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:28–29, NASB95)

Knowing his own salvation and the power of God to change hearts, Paul wrote in the next chapter of Romans, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17–21, NASB95)

We cannot control both sides of the peace formula, but we do have control over our side. Even in disagreement there is a way to respond which is right before God. The same Paul who stood before religious and secular leaders to defend his faith and to proclaim the gospel of Christ, willingly suffering imprisonment as a consequence wrote, “so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” In this we see that the answer to peace is not found in compromising the message, but being compassionately wise in how we present it.

Paul’s ultimate purpose in presenting the good news of Jesus dying for our sins and being raised from the dead on the third day was not to make peace among men, but to bring people to peace with God. In Romans 5 we see the clear link between knowing the peace of God and receiving the forgiveness of sins.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” (Romans 5:1–11, NASB95)

It was this message that has compelled so many people over the history of the church to endure harsh treatment and even persecution. In this, knowing that they are at peace with God, they have even been strengthened to know the peace of God. Jesus said, as He was preparing His disciples for His leaving,

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27, NASB95)

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NASB95)

The next beatitude has to do with persecution, and as we look at the issue of peace it is often difficult to separate it from the surrounding conflict. It is in this conflict that God has given us His Word for direction and His Spirit as a constant help and assurance.

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” (Romans 8:14–17, NASB95)

Our God knows our troubled hearts. He knows our every struggle, and He knows the condition of every heart around us. He knows those hearts who have trusted and those who will trust. He is faithful to bring to Himself each and every one who is called, calling upon the name of His Son for salvation. Through Jesus we are made to be at peace with God. And He has made it such that we can know the peace of God in the midst of whatever struggle we might encounter in this life.

It is because we have seen the grace of God that we can know the peace of God. Grace and peace to each of you.

Beatitude facet number 7: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Be-Attitude Check (Philippians 4:13)

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB95)

For the past several days I have been working through Jesus’ “blessed are” statements in Matthew chapter 5, but today I am taking a break for an attitude check.

Words are powerful things, especially when people use them to speak of or describe others. Their meanings and the impact of them, while being used by one person, really find their impact in the heart and mind of the hearer. In this there is much room for building up, tearing down, and miscommunicating.

Our culture is one of comparative ratings. If we go to a store we find our receipts opportunities to get some kind of a discount, win a prize, or even receive something if we simply take the time to complete a satisfaction survey. Most common in them is a five point assessment along the lines of “very satisfied”, “satisfied”, “neither satisfied nor dissatisfied”, “dissatisfied”, or “very dissatisfied”. We find questions such as, “How likely are you to recommend this store or this product to a friend?” And the response choices are given to us on a similar scale.

We are a people who compare, and make value assessments based upon those comparisons. These comparisons can even be personalized in regard to things such as our looks, health, competency, quality of our work, and how much we are liked or appreciated. In this way our scale might look like “great”, “good”, “okay”, “not so good” and “bad”. And when we are anything other than “very good” then we can begin to question what’s wrong.

While these measurements may be commonplace and even applied on a regular basis in the making of decisions, they can also become very dark traps. These traps can snap closed on us when we don’t measure up to the standard of someone we value, including even ourselves. We can become self-critical. They can snap in when someone else gets selected for a job, and you get left behind wondering what made them so much better. They can snap closed when someone responds to something we have said or done with a measuring word lower on our scale than we anticipated. All of these traps snapping closed might be signs that we find our value and acceptance in the approval of others. At a minimum, they indicate a spiritual struggle over which we need to step back and look to our God who fully accepts us and who has promised to complete the work in us that He started.

There are many words that can trigger negative responses in our hearts. One of them amazingly enough is the word, “good.” On the comparative scale above “good” is next to the top. But have we become so accustomed to wanting to be “great” or “very good” that in some settings “good” is not good enough. As I thought about this word I thought about our God and His creation.

In Genesis 1 we read that God saw the light He created and it was good. He created the expanse in the midst of the waters and the dry land and heaven and sea and He saw that it was good. He created vegetation and it was good. He created the sun, moon, and stars and He saw that they were good. Then He created the sea creatures and the winged birds and they were good. Next we read that he created the land creatures and they also were good. It was at this point that God then created man in His own image, or as Scripture says, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26, NASB95) Our Triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) chose to make man, male and female, and place them in this fully created “good” place. In response to this we read, “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31, NASB95)

God’s creation was perfect, exactly as He intended and as He looked upon it He saw that it was “good.” In this light “good” is a powerful word. But even in this there was something missing, and that was man. When God created man and added him to His creation He looked upon all of it and it was then “very good.” Today, as we live in a world racked with sin, hurt, destruction, and disease we are daily reminded that there is something better. What was once very good, oftentimes now is not even close to good, and we long for the better. And when we personally struggle with this comparative scale of good we are reminded of how short we or things come.

In Romans 3 we read, “as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one;” … “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:10, 23, NASB95) We know in our hearts that we have fallen short. But our God turns that which is bad into that which is good.

In this world we continue to struggle, but if we have trusted Christ for our salvation, we are not to struggle as those who have no hope (Romans 8:23-25), but as those who have been saved and made righteous in Christ. Sure, we realize what lies ahead in heaven is perfect, but for now God is in the process of conforming us to the image of His Son, and in this He is doing a good work in us. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NASB95) In this we can also know that God’s good is far and above any great that the world might have to offer. And in this we can give ourselves back to God, submitting ourselves to Him to change and direct our lives. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, NASB95)

Another one of those comparative words is “adequate.” This word is usually seen as the middle word on our scales, the one that is equal to “okay.” We often view it as neither most desired or most detested, but as something that will meet the need and serve the purpose. But even this word is easily twisted. In our desire for the best we struggle with that which is seen as less. In the job market, employers hold out for the employee who excels and not the one who will get the job done. When we make a special dinner, certain things which would normally suffice just don’t seem adequate for the occasion. In many ways we view “adequate” as being on some kind of thin line between not working at all.

But this also, is not in line with how God measures things. The first verses that came to my mind in relation to this were 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17, NASB95) Notice how the good work God intends for us is tied to Him making us adequate to accomplish it. In the English Standard Version “adequate” is translated as “complete,” and the Greek word behind both has the added meaning of being specially fitted or being given a special aptitude in order to meet the situation. In relation to God’s inspired word we are given what we need to do what God intends. Of course, there is a tie here, and that tie is hiding His Word in our hearts and allowing it to shape us such that we are enabled to walk in righteousness. Becoming adequate requires training, but God is committed to training us. The bottom line is that when God makes us adequate for His work He removes any concept that in Him we are then inadequate.

“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:4–6, NASB95)

The last one for today is “Jack of all trades.” I’ve long thought I was this kind of person, realizing that I am very capable in many areas, but in this I have often wondered if there was anything that I was really good at. This can be a dangerous trap, especially if you have a history of comparing yourself to others which I did as a teenager, and which I am still not immune from even today as I am searching out God’s leading for where we are to serve. A “jack of all trades” is a good person to have around because he is adequate to do most anything, but is he the first person you pick when you are looking for a specific expertise?

We are all naturally talented, developed in skills, and gifted in different ways, and God uses the entirety of our individual wiring for His purposes. Falling into the comparative trap of measuring ourselves against others as opposed to submitting to God’s will for our lives with all of our various strengths and even weaknesses is sometimes simple to do. But in this we again have to stop and get our God perspective right. God knows exactly what He intends for each and every one of us, and what we see of this is sometimes only a small picture. We have seasons when God unfolds things before us and we see, but we also have seasons when we have to walk in uncertainty trusting that what we don’t see and can’t control are firmly held in our God’s hands.

Many years ago, I switched out the common phrase “Jack of all trades and master of none” to “Jack of all trades and grateful for the Master’s Son.” For in this new phrase I am reminded of my great hope, one that is not based on my shortcomings but upon the unlimited ability of my God who makes me adequate for His good work.”

Be Attitude Check 1: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13, NASB95)

If you are struggling in some way today concerning your personal value or the judgment others might have of you, won’t you please step back and look to our God and what He has to say both about who we are in Him and about how He promises to work.

Blessed Acceptance (Matthew 5:8)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8, NASB95)

Today there was big news as a top executive left the company he co-founded over an uproar concerning his support of a defense of marriage bill several years ago. Intolerance has grown so vicious in our country by groups that demand others be tolerant of their re-framed views. I do not know anything about the personal views of this chief executive, but the view on marriage which he supported is one which has long been the standard view of this country and the world. It is the one which was originated by God, established as the pattern for all mankind, and reinforced throughout Scripture. Yet over the years, a minority view has grown in its acceptance to the point that it has pushed those holding this biblical and worldwide traditional view into the outskirts of acceptability, and for that there is growing persecution.

Sure, the persecution may not be in the form of imprisonment, but when an individual can be forced to step down from a business over his rightly held views then it is persecution nonetheless. This even extends to those who have refused to participate in celebrating a same sex wedding by adding their artistic talents to the taking of pictures or the decorating of a cake. It extends even now to those who refuse to provide insurance which pays for abortive services or devices and who now are even waiting on our Supreme Court to determine if they will be further persecuted for their beliefs.

Jesus said blessed are the pure in heart. I can’t speak to the individual motives of these people mentioned above, but knowing that many of them have publicly professed belief in God and their commitment to walk right before Him and to properly handle His Word, I can reasonably assume that their motives are not hate or phobia but that of biblical conscience. And as a result all of them have suffered to some degree because of their conscience. I must reasonably assume that in walking these paths they have had to consider their motives and even the condition of their hearts. It would be very easy to become resentful of those who are persecuting them. But even in a media who has clearly stated its opposition to their stances, I see no evidence of anything other than them doing what they believe is the biblically right thing to do.

In Scripture we read a lot about our hearts and our minds. We read that we are to trust in the Lord with our whole hearts, such that we are not leaning on our own understanding, but acknowledging Him in all of our ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). We read that we are to watch over our hearts. And in watching over our hearts the Word of God is to perfectly inform our direction. In Psalm 119:9-11 we read, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:9–11, NASB95) Later in verses 105 and 106 we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, that I will keep Your righteous ordinances.” (Psalm 119:105–106, NASB95)

As we read the Bible we find that the direction of our hearts is never to diverge from the direction we receive from God’s Word, and in this it does not matter what level of resistance we might receive from those around us. There have been many who have even taken this stand to the point of death. After Christ Himself, I thought of Stephen who is recorded as the first Christian martyr. At the end of Acts chapter six Stephen is apprehended for the works God was doing through Him. Accusations were made against him, and at the beginning of Acts chapter seven he was asked if these things were so. What follows is his firm and lengthy response ending with, “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.” (Acts 7:51–53, NASB95)

Stephen called them on account for their hard and ungodly hearts. In response to this we read, “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:54–60, NASB95)

Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Stephen knew where his great hope was, and even as they were stoning them he pleaded to God that they might see what they had done and turn. One of the bystanders, watching the coats of those who were doing the stoning, was Saul who we recognize as Paul—one who Jesus turned from a persecutor of the followers to a follower who was persecuted.

The apostle Paul was regularly brought before officials on charges, and as we read through the book of Acts we find the record of many of these encounters, especially in the last nine chapters. Going back to Acts 24 we read his heart behind his words and his belief in the emptiness of their charges.

“When the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. Neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. “Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets; having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men.” (Acts 24:10–16, NASB95)

All of us have choices that we regularly make in the course of our lives when we have to decide who we are going to listen to and how we are going to handle the truths of God’s Word.  In 1 Samuel 24 David had opportunity to take the life of King Saul who had been pursuing him. But he knew this would not be right, so he compromised and cut off the corner of his robe just to show what he could have done. But even in this compromise we read, “It came about afterward that David’s conscience bothered him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe.” (1 Samuel 24:5, NASB95)

Regardless of what might happen to us in these lives, if we have trusted Christ for our salvation we know that we are children of God and that one day we will surely meet Him face to face. This is not conjecture, but a certain promise from our God who cannot lie. And when we fail in our walk and even in our dealings with man we know that our God will not turn on us as man does, but He is faithful to forgive those who He has called and accepted as His children and we will indeed see God.

Beatitude facet number 6: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

Blessed Mercy (Matthew 5:7)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7, NASB95)

Mercy is such a wonderful thing. It embodies all that springs from the heart of one to care for the needs of another. It even extends to doing this when the one being helped is not one who we would deem help-worthy. In describing mercy we see it linked with words such as compassion, help, and pity.

The ultimate source and example of mercy is our God. He created everything perfect, without any defect, and this includes man and all of the heavenly beings—His angels. Yet we find in Scripture that one of those angels, one on whom He bestowed great glory, became prideful and decided that he was going to elevate himself above God. Scripture records for us that because of His pride he was cast down (Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:11ff are thought while possible descriptions of kings have a deeper picture of Satan behind them). And in being cast down he appeared before Eve and Adam to tempt them in the garden with similar lies. Here we find him referred to as “the serpent” (Genesis 3; see also Revelation 12:7-12). This encounter resulted in Eve taking the apple, eating it, and giving it to her husband who ate it as well. Right away they knew things changed, and walls began to come up. They hid from God, their bodies from each other, blamed others for their actions. As a consequence of their disobedience (sin) they were judged, put out from the garden, and separated in their daily communion with God.

Sin became the story of man and spiritual death his condition. This was the result of his actions and it remained such except that our God who is right and just is also compassionate, loving, and merciful. In response to the fullness of His attributes He provided a way for man to enter back into a relationship with Him, and that was by faith. It was the pride and actions of man and Satan that led to their fall, and God being rich in mercy was willing to forgive man for His actions. But his forgiveness would not come without a cost. In the Old Testament, men followed after God by faith, even offering up sacrifices of obedience. While many saw these sacrifices as their penance and their own works contributing to gaining God’s favor, those who trusted God by faith saw them as an obedient response to God’s great mercy being shown to them.

But even this was temporary and a pale shadow of God’s greatest mercy which was to be shown. God sent His Son, being fully God Himself and existent for all time (not being a creation of God), to be born as a man for the ultimate purpose of going to a cross to shed His blood as the perfect, once-for-all-time sacrifice fully satisfying God’s demand for justice in response to sin. Again, there was nothing man did to deserve this, but God did it because He loved us, and the only requirement for it being applied to us is to believe by faith. At the moment we believe and are saved we become children of God, joint heirs with Christ, receiving life here and now and inheriting life for all of eternity. Scripture tells us,

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:1–10, NASB95)

Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Our God could not have shown us any greater mercy, and in response He calls us to be merciful to others in the same way that we have found mercy in Him. Mercy is not the abandonment of justice, but it is the taking on of the burdens of one by another. Jesus took the burden of our sin upon Himself and fully satisfied the penalty of our sin, which is death.

Mercy is more than forgiveness, but it is compassionate action. It is giving in some way to someone something to which they were not entitled because you made a choice to do this for them. In Luke 6 we also read Jesus speaking similar “blessed are” statements. As we move through the chapter we come to a section on God’s mercy, where we read,

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:32–36, NASB95)

We don’t want to get this beatitude backwards in thinking that our merciful salvation is dependent upon our merciful acts toward others, because then it would no longer be mercy but reward. Rather, knowing the love of God we are to live as people of God who are merciful toward others, and in so doing we ourselves experience the mercy of God in our lives and find it returned by others. In this, as we read in Luke 6:35, “your reward will be great.” As we look even to the body of Christ, comprised of other believers, we read,

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:12–15, NASB95)

During the past two years of searching God’s direction for our next place of ministry we have seen God’s mercy shown to us in many incredible ways, and most of those ways have come through the hearts and acts of others. They have done so graciously, being moved in their hearts to freely extend themselves, and for that we are incredibly grateful to them and to our God. And in this we are not alone, as we have also observed our God time and time again extend Himself through His saints to touch lives.

Beatitude facet number 5: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

Blessed Satisfaction (Matthew 5:6)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6, NASB95)

Chapters 9-11 of Romans were written largely about the unbelief of the Jewish people—the nation of Israel (and their ultimate salvation). It focused on their rejection of the Messiah sent by God as compared to God’s embracing of those who were once far away—the Gentiles (non-Jews).  Speaking about the issue of righteousness Paul wrote, “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,” (Romans 9:30–32, NASB95)

In these verses we see what made the difference between the Gentiles who were made righteous and the Jews who missed that mark, and that difference was faith. The Gentiles (and even many Jews) believed what was told them of the Son of God who became man to die for their sins and be raised from the dead, and they trusted God for His free gift of salvation. Scripture tells us that they were made righteous not with a righteousness of their own, but with the righteousness of Christ as Paul spoke of in Philippians 3.

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,” (Philippians 3:8–9, NASB95)

The Pharisees, who were in many ways poster children for Jewish legalism, believed that their future was determined by how they lived their lives. And in this they set a standard which continued to evolve of greater and greater adherence to the law and their various clarifications of how that law was to be evidenced. They were not openly opposed to God, but they were opposed to those who pointed to the failings of their works based lives and the demands they placed on people to adhere.

In Matthew 23 Jesus spoke out loudly and strongly against the scribes and Pharisees. Repeatedly Jesus says to them, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” And each time he expanded on why they were falling under such great woe. He ended chapter 23 with, ““Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! “For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”” (Matthew 23:37–39, NASB95)

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” (Isaiah 64:6, NASB95) He recognized that the efforts they made to show themselves good really just pointed to how short they actually came, and in the end they would not be satisfied nor would it last.

Paul wrote, “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one;” (Romans 3:9–10, NASB95) Later on in chapter 3 of Romans we read, “But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:21–26, NASB95)

A life based upon our own works in order to obtain the pleasure of God or man is sure to disappoint. It is a fragile existence that can crumble at any time as a result of the slightest of infractions or a mere change of mind concerning direction. It is a system that is based in failure because there is absolutely no way to live it perfect, and anything less than perfection makes the judgment of how good is good enough an arbitrary judgment and an untouchable standard. God does not operate this way. He knows that we have all sinned and fallen short of His glory, and He has based our acceptance by Him not according to some level of works, but on the work of His perfect Son. What we could not do, Jesus did for us as the God-man going to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and being raised from the dead. As a result when we trust in Him by faith we are saved and His righteousness is credited to our accounts. We receive His Spirit—the Holy Spirit at that moment and are made spiritually alive, even enabled to grow in Christ and become conformed to His image.

This is what the righteousness of Christ does for us. It turns us from those bound as slaves to sin, and makes us such that we can live victoriously in the face of its temptations. It makes us such that we will never be judged by God for that sin because Jesus paid it all. This does not excuse us to keep on sinning, for if we truly have trusted Christ for our salvation, then indeed God will do a work in us and He will never let go of us. When the darts of accusation come in, even when we have sinned, we can stop and look to our God admitting our transgression before Him, thanking Him for His forgiveness, and recommit to walk right before Him with the righteousness of Christ through the power of His Spirit under the direction of His Word.

Jesus said, “blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” There is no satisfaction in striving to be good enough, to hopefully be pleasing and accepted. But there is great satisfaction in knowing that we are fully accepted in Christ and having been firmly placed in God’s forever family as His adopted children with a full inheritance.

“So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”” (Romans 8:12–15, NASB95)

And a little later we read, “But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”” (Romans 10:6–11, NASB95)

Beatitude facet number 4: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

If you are uncertain of where you stand with God in regard to the standard by which you are judged, Andy Stanley has written a wonderful little book walking through this issue. I would be happy to send you a free to you copy of “How Good is Good Enough?” if you would just contact me and let me know your desire.

Blessed Submission (Matthew 5:5)

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5, NKJV)

This beatitude runs contrary to much of our American attitude, where we are encouraged to be aggressive and confident in our lives, striving for that which is bigger and better. When we look at those who are touted in the media, whether its sports, or politics, business, or entertainment we find countless stories of those who have boldly stepped out and accomplished great things. Among these are people who widely vary in what they believe (or don’t believe), including many Christians. Some of these people are totally dependent on themselves, while others realize that they have been enabled to accomplish these things.

Do any of these people qualify as meek? What was Jesus talking about when He said, “Blessed are the meek”? What makes a person meek? In order to consider what it is to be a meek person, let’s look at the concept of meekness itself. Looking to a New Testament word study dictionary I read, “Meekness, but not in a man’s outward behavior only, nor in his relations to his fellow man or his mere natural disposition. Rather, it is an inwrought grace of the soul, and the expressions are primarily toward God. It is that attitude of spirit we accept God’s dealings with us as good and do not dispute or resist. [Meekness] according to Aristotle, is the middle standing between two extremes, getting angry without reason and not getting angry at all. Therefore [meekness] is getting angry at the right time, in the right measure, and for the right reason. [Meekness] is not readily expressed in English (since the term “meekness” suggests weakness), but it is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character.

While most English translations use the word “meek,” and recognizing the true core of meekness is a form of gentle power, we find a varied translation of this verse in the New American Standard where we read, “Blessed are the gentle.” In this sense we have the picture possibly of the gentle giant, who possesses great power, yet uses it with tender care stemming from a considerate and sensitive heart.

Later in Matthew, we find this same word used again. Here is used to speak of the God-man, Jesus Christ, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords entering Jerusalem according to prophecy which was being fulfilled. “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold your King is coming to you, Gentle, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (Matthew 21:5, NASB95)

Jesus tenderly cared for those who were sick and struggling, and Jesus firmly dealt with those who were harsh and hard hearted. He knew when to reach out His hand to draw people in and when to hold up His hand to hold back opposition. Though He was fully God, as man He willingly submitted Himself to harsh treatment, scourging, and even being crucified in order to fulfill the will of the Father. Being meek or humble really does seem to embrace knowing how to walk rightly before men and how to stand strong as we submit fully to God and whatever He might bring our way.

The apostles repeatedly were persecuted and even imprisoned for the message they proclaimed.  Yet we read throughout the New Testament that when they presented the gospel they did it with boldness, while humbly submitting themselves to God as sovereign over how man might respond. Paul prayed in Romans 15:29-32 that he might be delivered from these persecutors in the presentation of the gospel. In Ephesians 6:17-19 he asked for prayer that he might be bold in presenting this message, recognizing that he was ultimately in bondage to God. The apostle Peter wrote, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (1 Peter 3:15, NASB95)

James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:19–21, NASB95)

Clearly we see that this gentleness, meekness, or humility is different than that which the world might paint. It is one that recognizes that God is totally sovereign over the entirety of our lives as well as the entirety of creation. As such, everything we think, say, or do is to be done with this awareness and in subjection to His ultimate leading and hand in our lives. A biblically meek person is one who is not big in himself, but one who if he boasts does his boating in the Lord and not in his own arrogance (James 4:13-16).

The apostle Paul, recognizing his personal weakness, wrote, “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9–10, NASB95)

Continuing in our beatitude for the day we read, “for they shall inherit the earth.” This is a quote of Psalm 37:11. I would encourage you to take some time and read the entire psalm, but for now I have included a brief portion which reads, “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.” (Psalm 37:8–13, ESV)

With Jesus quoting this psalm we clearly can see the end time promise that one day evil will be broken and finally defeated. Even in the hope of the millennial reign when Jesus returns with His saints to rule the earth in a time of peace and righteousness we see the great hope that we are given that our God wins. In fact, He has already won. Evil is allowed for a season while His church is being built and people are turning to Christ for salvation. But one day this door will be closed, the last person will be saved, evil will be put down, and the meek will indeed inherit the earth. And beyond that we have the ultimate promise that our God is preparing a new heaven and a new earth which will last forever and ever.

Knowing the ultimate outcome, we really have nothing to fear here and now. For even in death there is great victory, knowing that we step out of these bodies and into the presence of our Lord while we await the upcoming great and final victory awaiting us all. And in our present trials we are given many assurances in God’s Word that God will never leave us nor forsake us, and that he encloses us before and behind, making us able to stand under any trial which He allows into our lives.

Those who hope in God and not in themselves, find as their ultimate hope the promises of a great and eternal inheritance given to us in Christ. This is a certain fact which makes all that we struggle with here and now tolerable, finding our joy in God so that we might persevere.

Beatitude facet number 3: “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

Blessed Comfort (Matthew 5:4)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4, NASB95)

Yesterday I started looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the first of what we know as the Beatitudes, or statements that start off with “blessed are” and then describe the condition of individuals. Yesterday it was, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,…” Each of these “blessed are” statements are then concluded with a “for” response of answer that directly relates to their condition. Yesterday we saw that those who are humble and dependent in spirit are those who are given the kingdom of God. These are the people who recognize their great need, and find their answer to that need in God.

Today the “blessed are” people are those who mourn. Now those who mourn are not separate from those who are poor in spirit or any of the other “blessed are” groups. But they are those who are going through a difficult season as the result of some brokenness or loss. Prior to writing today I went to Facebook to catch up on a few friends and saw that one of them had posted a picture which had the words embedded, “Today is World Cancer Day, I light this candle in honor of all cancer survivors, fighters and those who have lost their lives to this disease.” And sure enough there is a world cancer day, which was evidently February 4^th of this year. That was a single day, but this sentiment is one that burdens many day after day, especially those who are not included in the declaration—those who lost a loved one due to the ravages of cancer. For them they are walking with a hole in their lives and hearts due to someone very close to them not being present in their lives.

Whether it is cancer, heart attack, car accident, or even plane crash we all at some time experience periods of mourning. And our Lord Jesus understands our loss. The prophet Isaiah wrote of Him, “He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3–5, NASB95)

Jesus had not yet gone to the cross or suffered those things spoken of by Isaiah at the time of the Sermon on the Mount, but being eternal God He knew what lay before Him and He took it on willingly for us. Because of the suffering He was to endure on our behalf, we are indeed eternally blessed.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 1 we read that our God is truly a God of comfort, and He is able to give it to us abundantly in Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5, NASB95)

Nowhere does Scripture tell us that we are to “Buck up” and not show our emotions. Rather, we find that our God knows our emotions and He calls us to come to Him and put before Him even our deepest hurts and see how He works to turn those hurts into comfort and blessing. This is especially true for those who are mourning over the loss of a loved one who is a believer is Christ. For in this there is the great hope of being reunited with all believers for all eternity. Even in the face of losing someone for whom we question their salvation or we might even be pretty confident that the person die not having trusted in Christ, as believers we have the blessed assurance that God is faithful to His promises and that while they may have rejected Him, He will never reject us but has eternally adopted us as His beloved children.

In 2 Thessalonians Paul wrote, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16–17, NASB95)

This is where the “for” part of the “blessed are” come is. In Matthew 5:4 we read “for” these people will truly be comforted. The blessing is not necessarily found in the loss, but in how our God responds to meet the needs resulting from the loss. In the meantime we are told to understand this of each other, and in that the Bible says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15, NASB95)

And as we do this with one another, we can do so reminding each other of our great hope. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, NASB95)

Those who mourn in Christ indeed are those who also are poor in spirit, and in the comfort that comes from God we know that he holds firmly in His hands all of the resources of heaven and earth and is fully powerful and wise to use them exactly as He knows best.

Beatitude facet number 2: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”