The Blessing Connection
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with the word about the Beatitudes of Jesus.
You’re probably familiar with the Beatitudes from Matthew chapter 5 — an unusually large crowd has gathered, and Jesus wants to teach them about the kingdom of God and what it looks like. He wants to show the crowd what distinguishes the citizens of this new kingdom. And so, He wasted no time. It says:
“When He saw the crowd, He went up on the mountain and the disciples came to Him. He sat down and began to teach them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted; blessed are those who are persecuted; blessed are those who hunger and weep ….’”
And so on He goes. Now, there’s something extremely important to notice here. Please notice that Jesus connects “blessings” with things like poverty and trials and hardships. He connects blessings with rejection and grief, and yes, even hunger and persecution. When we think of blessings, we would not think of borderline poverty, or that recent battle with cancer, or a child born with multiple disabilities, or the loss of a job or a loved one. No, rather, when we think of blessings, our thoughts turn to material prosperity, great health or a comfortable lot in life, or the perfect job, the perfect home, or maybe the perfect children or spouse or in-laws.
But scripture says otherwise. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we are to characterize attributes of the King — things like: compassion and patience, godliness and endurance, love and mercy, perseverance and self-control, hope and joy, kindness and long-suffering and so much more. None of those attributes are natural to human beings, and if any are, it’s only because of common grace. But those attributes should mark the Christian. They are gained supernaturally as God puts us through trials and hardships. And we have to admit, it’s never through ease and comfort, but tribulations that we gain patience and hope and endurance and compassion. Trials are what join us in a deeper faith to Jesus. Trials are what refine our faith. Oh, they are unpleasant to be sure — even the Bible says so. But through trials, we gain a sweeter, richer fellowship with Jesus Christ. Money does not bring that, and neither does perfect health or a beautiful home. It’s why the Bible tells us to welcome trials as friends; trials are friends that take us by the hand, whether we like it or not, and lead us down the hard, difficult path to Calvary.
So, blessed are you, happy are you, if you learn the lessons of the Beatitudes. And exactly what are those lessons? Well, the teaching behind the Beatitudes is what the New Testament is all about. But those teachings have been summarized in a booklet called “The Beatitudes” that I would like to give you today. Just go to joniandfriends.org/radio and ask for your free copy of “The Beatitude.” It’ll detail what each Beatitude — or blessing — means, and how it reflects the attributes of citizens of the kingdom of God. So be sure to ask for your gift at joniandfriends.org/radio. Finally, if today you are enduring a hard trial or a deep disappointment, hold fast to this “beatitude,” as it were, in James Chapter 1, verse 12: “Blessed (or happy) is the one who perseveres under trial.” And what’s the blessing: Not only the crown of life, but a more satisfying relationship with Jesus. Hey, friend, at Joni and Friends we would like to pray for you, so share with us your thoughts and your prayer needs at joniandfriends.org.
© Joni and Friends
