#BLESSED

One of my favorite places when I went to Israel was on the Mount of Beatitudes.  A beautiful vista that overlooks the Sea of Galilee.  While standing on the hill it was easy to picture Jesus with a crowd gathered at his feet as he began what we know as the Sermon on the Mount…Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

There is something about the Beatitudes that I absolutely love.  Those eight statements of blessing hold within them an upside-down view of God’s kingdom, elevating those things that we so often looked down upon.  Humility, grief, meekness, mercy, justice, righteousness, peacemaking…all characteristics that are often contrary to culture. 

But it is really the very first word in each of these Beatitudes that often has me puzzled.  Blessed.  This is not the normal definition - bringing pleasure, contentment, or good fortune - that we think of in regard to God  - #blessed – “God has blessed my life and all is good.”  The Greek word Jesus used, Makarios, can also be translated as Happy.  Again, not as we might define happiness, which most often is connected to circumstances.  Makarios goes deeper than the surface of happiness and describes a joy that has a secret within itself, a joy that is serene and untouchable, and self-contained. 

In the Beatitudes Jesus is describing a happy life.  A different kind of happiness that has very little to do with chance or circumstances and is not dependent on health or wealth or even our achievements.  Doesn’t that sound like something you want in your life?  I do!

I am excited to walk through the Beatitudes this summer, considering each blessing and what that means for us.  I am looking forward to this journey hope that you will join in as we look to redefine #Blessed.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Matt 5:1-11)