Marble and Mortar - VOLUME 1 - Devotional ProjectChikamu

BEATITUDES

This song was written during a songwriting retreat a few years back. We wanted to write a song that simply spoke the words of Jesus. We love that the song challenges us to live a LIFESTYLE in which the beatitudes teach us. It’s an action-based worship song. 

The Beatitudes are found at the beginning of what is probably considered to be Jesus’ most famous sermon, the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). Surrounded by thousands of listeners, Jesus was outlining a different way to think and live. The principles in the beatitudes challenge our human nature in terms of our perceptions and responses. Most of the people in that day and in our modern time as well wouldn’t consider it a blessing to be poor, mourning or meek. It doesn’t feel like a blessing to fight for peace or face persecution. Jesus spoke these words to call His people to a higher level of thinking and action. His constant mission during his time on the earth was to help his people understand that the Kingdom of heaven doesn’t operate the same way as the world. God’s ways are contrary to our ways. God’s desire is to help us fix our eyes on a greater picture. It can be so easy to be distracted, discouraged and entangled by earthly things, but God wants our hearts to be set on that which is eternal. 

The path to the cross was paved with suffering. We as Christ followers will endure suffering, hardship and ill-treatment in our lives, but we have a future hope, a reward awaiting us. In the beatitudes, Jesus outlines the future promise for those who can see what they are facing in the temporal world through the eyes of eternity. When we set our focus on God and His kingdom, and respond in ways that reflect Christ, we invite God’s blessing. Our lives become the target of His inheritance of joy, comfort, fulfillment, satisfaction, provision, mercy and heavenly reward. 

As you read and listen to the words of this song, we encourage you to examine your life for areas of selfishness and pride. Perhaps your perspective has been skewed or tainted by the world’s viewpoint. Maybe you’ve lost sight of what’s eternal in the chaos of the temporal. Wherever you find yourself, know that God’s promises are true, and that He is faithful to fulfill every word that He has spoken. 

VERSE 1
Oh, blessed are the poor
For they receive the keys
To the kingdom of the Lord

Oh, blessed are those who mourn 
For they inherit joy
And comfort with the dawn 

Oh, blessed are the meek
For they will be first
And theirs becomes the earth

CHORUS
You mean every word you say 
Still the same as yesterday 
God you reign
God you reign

Take my pride and selfish ways 
Restore in me a life of praise 
Cause if I have You God
I have it all

VERSE 2
Oh, blessed are those who hunger 
Blessed are those who thirst
To be by His side

Oh, those who give mercy 
They shall receive,
The same from the Lord

Oh, blessed are the pure in heart
For they shall see God

BRIDGE
Take the earth and all its treasures 
The sky and all its wonders
'Til I have You God
I only want You God

Throw away all my life's possessions 
All my vain ambition
'Til I have You God
I only want You God

VERSE 3
Oh, those who fight for peace 
Are called to royalty 
Welcomed by the king

Oh, To those who face the pain 
For righteousness sake 
Heaven's crown awaits