The King's Way to Happiness

Luke 6:20-22 Looking at his disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine! 23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.”
 
JESUS’ beatitudes – blessing teachings – are contrary to our view of life. Who can be poor, hungry, grieving or hated and see it as a blessing?
    From Matthew’s gospel we can understand that being poor is poor in spirit. You understand your sin limits your relationship with Jesus. In response, you are then eager to seek Jesus’ forgiveness. You experience God’s happiness when you know God’s grace brings you from sin’s separation into the Savior’s eternal redemption.
    To be hungry is to desire to consume God’s Word. John 6:32 Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” You will be blessed to know consuming, believing and living God’s Word satisfies your soul’s spiritual hunger.
    To mourn is to grieve over your sin and the world’s sin. In response to this sadness, you know God’s blessings in the freedom of your confession and repentance. You will find blessing, too, of God’s presence when you are eager to share the gospel message. 2 John 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
    Do you mourn for another’s unbelief? Pray for God’s mercy to change those sorrowful circumstances into the joy of his salvation. Rest in his response.
    Or have you ever known isolation or abuse because you stand with Jesus? Then rejoice you belong to the Lord! “You are mine!” he says. Embrace that truth. He will reward your faithful stand. Mark 13:13 “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
    With a mind set on the King’s ways, you will “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)
   
Prayer: Lord God, keep my eyes on you in all circumstances to remember your great love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.