BLESSING

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God!" (Matt 5:8)

Welcome to 2024! Together, let’s intently pursue a clean, singularly focused heart, enabling ourselves to receive the blessing of Matthew 5:8, to see God. This is considered one of the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes define how life is lived in the culture of God’s Kingdom. Matthew 5:8 particularly stands as a sweet blessing which promises we will see God.

Interestingly, blessed is translated happy or fully satisfied. It refers to those receiving God’s favor, regardless of the circumstances as Joseph did ( Genesis 39). To live blessed we must first receive a blessing from the Lord. A blessing is not empty words but according to Numbers 6:23-27, God literally writes His name upon us. He empowers us to live the blessing. In Deuteronomy 7:9 God declares blessings are extended to be received to a thousand generations. A word picture for blessing helps define blessing in Matthew 18 as Jesus blesses the children. The picture used is a flame being attached to the wick of a candle. Thanks to Numbers 6 and the word picture in Matthew 18, we must not be careless concerning a blessing, but rather readily receive His provision.

The blessing of Matthew 5:8 rests on a pure heart. Purity of heart is a life focused on God, desiring Him and His will above all else. This unmixed heart is notably produced by fire: the fire of His presence, the fire of His holiness, the fire of trials and tribulations. In Joshua 24, Joshua calls the tribes of Israel to choose, “Choose you this day whom you will serve,” the foreign gods or the Lord. Joshua decrees, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” exhibiting a pure heart.

2024 promises to be a great adventure, filled with times of wonderful victories as well as shifting uncertainties. Let’s enter this audacious year together, positioning ourselves with a focused heart so we will see God! We encourage you to participate in the activity and join in completing this devotional.

Activity

Get into a stance with arms outstretched as if to receive a present. Vocally announce your intent as Joshua did, to serve the Lord, to have a pure heart. Then, be still and receive God’s blessing of Matthew 5:8, to see God. Be still.