Devotions with Pastor Blake Owings

The Beatitudes

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.

This portion of the sermon on the mount is commonly known as the Beatitudes. In this sermon, Jesus is telling Christians the attitudes we are supposed to develop. If we live according to these things Jesus says we are blessed. But why are we blessed for being poor, mourning, and persecuted? It kind of seems backwards. We are blessed because these situations open us to God’s work in our lives. Whether it’s a situation, perspective, or character. All of these things Jesus is talking about give us the opportunity to grow closer to God. And the blessing that God gives us, overshadows the pain.

Pastor Blake