Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. ⁸Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. ⁹Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. ¹⁰Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. —Matthew 5:7-10
“This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me. The world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” These are the words of an old gospel song I have enjoyed for years. They can serve as both an introduction and conclusion to the beatitudes.
Jesus teaches here about the condition of believers, the character of believers, and the cause for their everlasting joy. If you are following Jesus, you have a “blessed” or “happy” condition. My kids get happy about eating ice cream cones on the deck in the summer. But that is not the happy Jesus is talking about. The happiness that Jesus speaks of is deeper and longer than a zillion licks of ice cream could ever be.
If you are trusting in Jesus, your deep-happy condition overflows into humble character. Disciples of Jesus are becoming like their Lord. They are “merciful,” “pure in heart,” “peacemakers,” and “persecuted for righteousness sake.” Those who have been shown compassion, show compassion to others. Those who hope in the Pure One purify themselves as he is pure (1 John 3:3). Those who have been justified by faith and have peace with God make peace with others (Romans 5:1). Those who know the Righteous One who was pierced for our transgressions are willing to be persecuted for their right living in a world that calls it wrong (Isaiah 53:5; 2 Timothy 3:2).
If you are trusting in Jesus, you have cause for everlasting joy. You have every reason to humble yourself before God and receive the happiness He has for you. What could be better than what He has promised? You will receive mercy from God when you know you don’t deserve it. You will see God with your own eyes. You are adopted into God’s family and He will call you His son. You will enter the kingdom of heaven. Nothing on this earth comes close to the joy these promises bring!
This joy that you have—the world didn’t give it to you. The world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away. Hallelujah! We are happy in Jesus, forever!
For Reflection
Take a few moments and simply bask in the beautiful promises from this passage. Meditate on them and let them sink in and deepen your faith in Jesus.
In what areas of your life are you not showing the humble character described here? How might trusting these promises cause you to cling to your merciful Savior, renew your happy state, and help you grow in humility?
If you are a parent or grandparent, how might the first two points of application help you be more Christ-centered in your parenting or grandparenting?