Reading With the People of God #11 Blessedනියැදිය

Focus of the month: (The Beatitudes)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

- Matthew 5:3-12

Vow to Remember

I like reading the Amplified Bible in my YouVersion Bible App because it clarifies some of the terms as I read, so forgive me as I “nerd out”. Most of us don’t know off the top of our heads that a cubit is approximately 18 inches. Whether using a calculator (or just having the Amplified Bible plugged in) Solomon’s house (palace) was 11, 250 square feet…grand and glorious! Considering that this was the same guy who asked for wisdom over riches, he was pretty gifted in the riches department.

Realize also that until now the children of Israel had not been a part of this kind of splendor since they left Egypt several generations before. Solomon was the king’s son, but David was a shepherd and a battle-worn king of a nomadic tribal nation establishing their borders. The people were finally at a place of permanence and peace. The kingdom nation would now receive recognition not only for the way God brought them through battles to conquer and keep the land that was promised but now would be established, ‘flag firmly planted’, so to speak. The horrors of continuous war and bloodshed subsided. The memories of broken relationships and relatives fighting against each other are a reminder of what happens when people turn away from the One True God.

From our passage in Matthew today, we will read that Jesus brings the focus of relationship even further. He brings us to the root of sin. Just as we have been reading in the Old Testament, no outward act “happened”. These acts started in the heart. This is why we keep hearing about David’s heart for the Lord. Going back to the broken relationships we have been reading about, with Jesus’ words in mind, it helps us understand that the conflict began long before the outward sin was committed. People who once loved each other became treacherous as they filled their hearts and minds with something other than a love for God. Christ also warns us that words hold powerful meaning. To be contemptuous or insulting toward those we love is not welcome before God. Today, let us vow to remember and learn these lessons as we love the One who loved us first.

* Devotional Primer contributed by Gaylyn Mott, Teacher, Musician, Yarn Artist, Member of Cornerstone Community Church of Chowchilla