Beatitudes

Tracey has offered the challenge to several of us to memorize the Sermon on the Mount this year with her as we embark on our 40th birthdays in 2013. I am only 5 verses in, but I know it is going to be such a good  experience to chew on this during this year and to let these words sink in. 

"Dallas Willard cautions us not to read the Beatitudes as a list of human life conditions that guarantee blessedness, or as states we ought to seek out in order to delight in God’s reign. Being persecuted or meek or poor in spirit are not requirements for happiness or entry to the good life of the Realm of God. Rather, Willard argues, in reaching out to the powerless Jesus emphasizes the breadth and reach of God’s domain into all human conditions, no matter how difficult or seemingly irreversible." –Loretta Ross Holy Ground, Spring 2012

The Beatitudes set the tone for being thankful in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in... it especially teaches us to *feel* and *know* that we are blessed when things don't particularly go our way.

I love how Eugene Peterson words The Beatitudes in The Message...

You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.You're blessed when you're content with just who you are — no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

You're blessed when you get your inside world — your mind and heart — put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

Not only that — count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens — give a cheer, even! — for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. 

~ Matthew 5:3-12, The Message.