Blessings Are Given. Do You Accept Them?

Matthew 5;1-12 (KJV)

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kindgom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
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 exegetical notes on this particular set of scripture I will repeat, as given by Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. As follows:

The Greek word translated "blessed" is makarioi (mak-ar'-ee-os), which means to be "fully satisfied." In Classical Greek, the word referred to a state of blessedness in the hereafter. In the NT, however, the term is used of the joy that comes from salvation (cf. Psalm 51:12). This satisfaction is not the result of favorable circumstances in life. It comes only from being indwelt by Christ. Therefore, it would be wrong to translate makarioi "happy" (derived from the English word "hap") because it is connected with luck or favorable circumstances.

Blessedness is not static, but progressive. This progress depends upon the fulfillment of the conditions set down in these Beatitudes: (1) "The poor in spirit..." (ptochois [pto-khos'], v3) indicates a "helpless" person as opposed to penes (pen'-ace) which means "poor, but able to help oneself." The first step toward blessedness is a realization of one's own spiritual helplessness. (2) "They that mourn..." (v4) are those who sorrow for their sins and the sins of others. (3) The "meek" ones are willing to see themselves as they really are (v5). This concept they have of themselves is evidenced in their submission to God and His Word, as well as in their dealings with others. (4) "They which do hunger..." (v6; from the Greek, hoi peinontes [pi-nah'-o]) could be better rendered "the hungering ones." This indicates a constantand rcurrent satisfaction with God's righteousness; the nourishment received from being filled is expended in hungering anew for another filling. (5) The "merciful" are characterized by a caring attitude for those who are in misery (v7). They take the heartaches of others and make them their own. (6) "Purity of heart" can only be acquired through the continuous cleansing that believers experience when they have fulfilled the previous conditions of blessedness (v8). The purer a person becomes, the more clearly he can see God. (7) A "peacemaker" is not simply someone who tries to stop fueding between nations and people (v9). It is a believer that has experienced the peace of God and who brings that peace to his fellow human beings. (8) Being "persecuted for righteousness' sake" causes a person to reach the highest level of the satisfaction of blessedness (v10).

This state of blessedness begins the very moment that a person believes on Jesus Christ for salvation. This is demonstrated by the fact that the promises concerning the kingdom of heaven in verses three and ten are in present tense. While in this life one may enjoy the results of implementing these truths, the ultimate condition of blessedness will be experienced in heaven (v12).


Whew! That WAS a mouthful... LOL. Anyway, I desired to share that with you because of the fact that the very last part expressed applies to us: in whatever stage of life we are found to be present; operating within. I, when studying this, saw myself asking people, after we would read the beatitudes together, "Do you "accept" that these are Truth?"
Hence today's presentation of encouragement. If you read the beatitudes and can, with honesty of heart, accept that they ARE Truths; to be given to you to possess and believe on, then you DO HAVE them. Understand? Walk them out: apply them in all situations and circumstances. For these utterances of Jesus Christ, Himself, are not cut and paste items that ONLY apply if the situation calls for it; meaning outside your grasp. No, these are given to you; Christ spoke these Truths for you to retain; for you to possess and carry with you, wherever you find yourself, and whatever situation you are found to be present in at the time. That is why I ask, "Do you accept them?"
If you accept these Truths, then they ARE your's. Period. You have them. They are with you. You can OPERATE within them.

You have been blessed. You ARE blessed. God BLESSES you.


Holla,
Yer Brova Catalyst