Some translations say "happy"...
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Object:
Some translations say "happy" instead of blessed. I think we would be more than happy if we were to inherit the whole earth.
Jesus liked to preach on mountainsides where his words would carry. Pastors might like the custom of Jesus' day where the preacher sat down and all the rest of the people stood up. Right? His sermons would have to be shorter.
Most of those "beatitudes" are God's blessings on those experiencing negative problems.
That first one is puzzling. Does it mean poor as in not enough money or does it mean a more humble spirit? It sounds like you are going from the bottom to the very top -- the kingdom of heaven. We sometimes find God when we are at the bottom. He seems to lift us out of our depression. In my congregations I have found some who were depressed that a loved one had died without the Lord. One person's father died seemingly without a faith. I was able to tell her that before he died he was baptized and gave his life to the Lord. Recently a father told me that he thought his son had died without the Lord but found a note that he had committed himself to Jesus before he died. That also fulfilled the second beatitude.
The next one is puzzling too, since we complain if our leaders seem to be too meek (and weak?) and not strong enough to take a stand against our enemies. But on the mission field we found that a meek spirit won more converts than a demanding, overbearing one. It can help us accomplish our goals faster than if we shout that we won't yield to those who differ.
If we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we may find fulfillment in our church where there is refreshment for our souls. Don't sit around waiting.
The next seems to tell us that if we are merciful to others, then we will also receive mercy.
The next one seems impossible. When I asked a Bible study recently how many thought they were pure in heart, none of the people raised their hand. I doubt if any pastor could claim to be "pure in heart." I still hope we will get to see God.
We sure need peacemakers in this world. We give more honor to those whose job is to kill (even for a worthy cause). Think how we gave honor to Nelson Mandela at his funeral. He was able to bring peace to his country by his willingness to love his enemies. What higher reward can there be than to be called a son of God?
There may not be many who are persecuted for their faith except in mission fields all over the world. Two pastors were shot in Nepal while we were there and you could lose your job and even your family for your faith.
But if it does happen to you, rejoice.
Jesus liked to preach on mountainsides where his words would carry. Pastors might like the custom of Jesus' day where the preacher sat down and all the rest of the people stood up. Right? His sermons would have to be shorter.
Most of those "beatitudes" are God's blessings on those experiencing negative problems.
That first one is puzzling. Does it mean poor as in not enough money or does it mean a more humble spirit? It sounds like you are going from the bottom to the very top -- the kingdom of heaven. We sometimes find God when we are at the bottom. He seems to lift us out of our depression. In my congregations I have found some who were depressed that a loved one had died without the Lord. One person's father died seemingly without a faith. I was able to tell her that before he died he was baptized and gave his life to the Lord. Recently a father told me that he thought his son had died without the Lord but found a note that he had committed himself to Jesus before he died. That also fulfilled the second beatitude.
The next one is puzzling too, since we complain if our leaders seem to be too meek (and weak?) and not strong enough to take a stand against our enemies. But on the mission field we found that a meek spirit won more converts than a demanding, overbearing one. It can help us accomplish our goals faster than if we shout that we won't yield to those who differ.
If we hunger and thirst for righteousness, we may find fulfillment in our church where there is refreshment for our souls. Don't sit around waiting.
The next seems to tell us that if we are merciful to others, then we will also receive mercy.
The next one seems impossible. When I asked a Bible study recently how many thought they were pure in heart, none of the people raised their hand. I doubt if any pastor could claim to be "pure in heart." I still hope we will get to see God.
We sure need peacemakers in this world. We give more honor to those whose job is to kill (even for a worthy cause). Think how we gave honor to Nelson Mandela at his funeral. He was able to bring peace to his country by his willingness to love his enemies. What higher reward can there be than to be called a son of God?
There may not be many who are persecuted for their faith except in mission fields all over the world. Two pastors were shot in Nepal while we were there and you could lose your job and even your family for your faith.
But if it does happen to you, rejoice.
