CATCH A BLESSING
Opening Prayer
Can we ask for Christ’s blessings? Yes. He cares for us, so press ahead! And notice how he tailors his blessings to life’s circumstances.
Read Matthew 5:1–12
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them.
The Beatitudes
He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Are you facing trials of any kind?Sooner or later we have to ask Jesus about the challenges we face in life, especially in light of his love for us. In the series of blessings we find here—the Beatitudes—Christ’s comforting promises are offered to all who need his care.
The first eight blessings (3–10) have a poetic three-part structure: the assertion of Christ’s blessing, a distinct charac-ter quality and a matching benefit. The benefit is the bless-ing, and the character quality is the basis for the blessing. A symmetrical beauty appears in each blessing.
Are we being crushed by life? Be reassured, the kingdom of heaven awaits us. Are we heartsick in this fallen world? The promise of God’s own comfort lies ahead. The certainty Jesus offers in each case is that if our struggles are great, his blessings will always be greater.
Jesus walks us through sweet and sour moments, often at once. Yet in every challenge he assures us of even greater blessings: “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (12).
Apply
Do any of these blessings seem especially appropriate to your own life today? If so, receive it with joy!
Closing prayer
God of all blessing, thank You for Your promises. Remind me often of the blessings You hold out to all who walk with You.
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