Building On The RockSample

Living in the Hands of God

At one time, there was a broad shuffling of responsibility in the company where I worked. A number of us were newly appointed as supervisors, and we were driven to the company training center for a week to be prepared for our new roles. The first thing we got was an orientation talk to tell us what to expect. It was very helpful, putting what we were going to learn in perspective. 

When early in His ministry, Jesus sat down with His disciples at His training center on the side of a mountain to present to them their orientation talk—the Sermon on the Mount—what were they to expect? Would He begin with the Ten Commandments, with a clear statement of the gospel, with an explanation of the church He was going to build? No, He began with a statement of radically new values, values that cut across our modern ideas and make these ideas look petty and self-centered.

Here is a comparison. (The word ‘happy’ is used in the Modern Beatitudes and ‘blessed’ in Jesus’ Beatitudes to suggest that without God there may be a hope of happiness, but with Him there can be the reality of being blessed. The first is a mere feeling, but the second is a result of living in the hands of God, being blessed by God.)

MODERN BEATITUDES

           JESUS’ BEATITUDES

Happy are the self-confident,

for they will be successful.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy are the positive thinkers,

for they will fulfill their dreams.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Happy are those who are strong,

for they can manage life.

Blessed are the gentle,

for they will inherit the earth.

Happy are those who hunger and thirst for fame,

for they will become respected.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Happy are those who have caring friends, 

for they will feel comforted.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Happy are the uninhibited,

for they will feel free.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Happy are those who can beat others,

for they will find success.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Happy are those who do not offend others and promote harmony,

for they will be popular.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

We can pursue happiness in the wide world with these modern beatitudes as our guiding lights, or we can place ourselves in the hands of the Living God and experience the blessedness He gives. It may not always be pleasant, but God loves us as sons and daughters and is shaping us to the character of his perfect Son. When we feel poor in spirit, we can receive God’s blessing. When we are mourning we can receive his comfort, and when we are gentle, his confidence. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, He can satisfy us. In all of these experiences of life, those are the attitudes God blesses.

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust Your values rather than those the world offers. Let Your Word be my guide and Your love my motivation. Help me to focus on Your glory and let You take care of my happiness. I would rather have Your blessing than all this world offers.