I had a light bulb moment this past Sunday during our discussion in class about the beatitudes. Most of us understand that Jesus was turning the idea of being blessed in society on its head. It is not the strong and rich but the meek who will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Someone mentioned that years ago in another Sunday class a teacher had told them that the beatitudes can be seen as the order of faith... or.... the order in which you gain your faith... from start to finish. I didn't really understand what he meant until I looked at The Message translation of the Bible... and then it was crystal clear.
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.
Matthew 5:3-10
The Message Bible
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