DAY 2 | Everyday and Present Blessing | 21-Day Devotional on Jesus’ Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount | Introduction, Cont.

Jesus’ first in a series of sermons (teachings) from Matthew 5:3-12 is called “The Beatitudes.” (Re-read these verses)

In these statements of blessings (Beatitudes), Jesus did not speak of what WILL BE, He spoke of WHAT IS. As a Christ follower, always think of blessing in the present tense, not in the future tense. 

Definition of blessing: (Greek μακάριος transliterated, makarios)

To speak well of, to invoke blessings upon, to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on.

We live in a world where circumstances can incite concerns and fear. It has been said that the most basic human instinct is survival. However, a survival mentality creates a feeling of insecurity, nervousness, and uncertainty. Mass media  and social media contributes to that fear and uncertainty. For example, cities are described as "murder capitals.” Some people still fear COVID vaccines. A recent winter weather event was called a "bomb cyclone” – something that in all my decades of winter experience, I had never heard of! 

While the circumstances we face in life are real, the state of our hearts and minds can be conditioned to live in the reality of the blessing of God. I shared this quote from Maya Angelou recently with someone who was feeling discouraged: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

There is a way to not be reduced by circumstances: It is through establishing a foundation of living in the reality of God’s blessing. That is the objective of these devotional series. We want to help you become established in the everyday and present power of Christ in your life.

On Day 3, we will highlight Jesus’ first beatitude and recognize the wealth of being "poor in spirit” from Matthew 5:3. Jesus taught, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for THEIRS IS the kingdom of heaven.

Notice that Jesus did not state what would be, he stated what is. He said, “…THEIRS IS the kingdom of heaven.” This is the pattern we will follow during this study in the beatitudes. 

We will close today's lesson with another quote from William Barclay, who further defined the word blessed:

“Makarios describes that joy which has its secret within itself, that joy which is serene and untouchable, and self-contained, that joy which is completely independent of all the chances and the changes of life. Human happiness is something which is dependent on the chances and the changes of life, something which life may give and which life may also destroy. The Christian blessedness is completely untouchable and unassailable.”

Reflection Question

Describe how you will maintain encouragement and a good outlook in this crazy world.