Jesus' fame had spread abroad throughout Syria and points beyond. Multitudes had come seeking miracles and healing...but they were also desperately seeking something else. As they took their place on the mountain side and prepared to receive new revelation from the Savior, long cherished aspirations began to swell within them - they'd waited for so long, and now it seemed the time for them had come: deliverance from their Roman yoke.
The Jews hated the Romans and longed to be free from them. Now, it was apparent God had finally answered their prayers. The prophecies pointed to a coming Savior Who would finally break the bonds of oppression and exalt the Jews to their rightful place as God's chosen royal nation. Surely, this was the One. O, how His words were a severe disappointment to them. As He began to speak, it slowly became clear His message had nothing to do with a glorious journey of conquest – they were and are but humble steps to salvation:
The word “persecute” means to “pursue” and “follow after”. If, in abject spiritual poverty, we come mourning over our wretchedness in humility seeking forgiveness, and going forth from the presence of Jesus as Christian saints, desiring to be changed into His image, while extending mercy to others and striving to live a pure life before God with Whom we have made peace, and striving to help others find that peace......we will suffer persecution. The devil will pursue after us as assuredly as Pharaoh after Israel. He will not leave us to ourselves, but will strive to turn us around at every turn. As we stand at the borders of heavenly Canaan, let us every man be faithful and “endure to the end” and be “saved”.
The Jews hated the Romans and longed to be free from them. Now, it was apparent God had finally answered their prayers. The prophecies pointed to a coming Savior Who would finally break the bonds of oppression and exalt the Jews to their rightful place as God's chosen royal nation. Surely, this was the One. O, how His words were a severe disappointment to them. As He began to speak, it slowly became clear His message had nothing to do with a glorious journey of conquest – they were and are but humble steps to salvation:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of God.”
Of the Greek words for “poor”, this one is strongest, and describes “abject poverty” - it refers to our total spiritual bankruptcy which, when recognized by us, is the first step on our journey.“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Of the Greek words for “mourn”, this one is strongest, and refers to “anguished sorrow” such as what a parent would feel for the death of an only child. When we recognize our spiritual bankruptcy has hurt others and ultimately caused the death of our Savior, we mourn over this with deep sorrow.“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
The word “meek” refers not to “weak” but “strength under control”. Jesus, as our Divine Example, demonstrated a degree of meekness that will never be matched for all eternity. In mournful sorrow, we humbly come before Him with a surrendered heart, humbly seeking forgiveness.“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.”
The Greek words for “hunger” and “thirst” refer to pangs experienced by a man who has gone without food and water for days in a wilderness. Having received forgiveness and become partakers of the Holy Ghost, He reveals to us how unlike in character we are to God, and long to be transformed by grace into the image of God. This is called “Sanctification”.for they shall be filled.”
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
The sanctifying power of God in our lives working in us, we now extend mercy where before there was only harshness; forgiveness where before only was vengeance.“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Along with loving mercy toward others, we also desire purity toward our loving heavenly Father in our thoughts, words, and actions. This purity comes from surrendering our will to His will, as our Divine Example prayed, "Not my will, but Thine".“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
A “peacemaker” is one who makes peace with God. The peace of heaven fills his heart and he desires this peace to be found in the hearts of all others for which the Savior died. When conflict of nations is resolved, leaders will pat themselves on the back and hand out awards to each other, and will invariably quote Jesus, “Blessed are the peacemakers” – but have they gone through the steps which qualify them to do so? In most cases, no.“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
The word “persecute” means to “pursue” and “follow after”. If, in abject spiritual poverty, we come mourning over our wretchedness in humility seeking forgiveness, and going forth from the presence of Jesus as Christian saints, desiring to be changed into His image, while extending mercy to others and striving to live a pure life before God with Whom we have made peace, and striving to help others find that peace......we will suffer persecution. The devil will pursue after us as assuredly as Pharaoh after Israel. He will not leave us to ourselves, but will strive to turn us around at every turn. As we stand at the borders of heavenly Canaan, let us every man be faithful and “endure to the end” and be “saved”.
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