BULLETIN ARTICLE
16 February 2020
True Blessedness

In our modern Christianity, being blessed (a state of true happiness as one is favoured by God) is typically tied to attaining worldly possessions, achievements and success. However, Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-2) suggests that blessedness is about having godly characteristics like meekness and righteousness, and not about having possessions.

v3 People who are poor in spirit recognise that they are spiritually poor and have nothing of value to justify themselves before a righteous God. They see the need for Jesus, and trust in him for their salvation (Romans 10:9). They are truly happy indeed because they shall be part of the kingdom Jesus had been preaching about (Matthew 4:23).

v4 People who mourn are those who recognise and mourn over their sin (Psalm 51:3-4), lamenting their rejection of God. This is part of the response of repentance that Jesus talked about (Matthew 4:17). They are truly happy indeed because they have repented and are comforted because they are forgiven.

v5 People who are meek are those who practise gentleness to others amidst injustice done against them. They await the just God to mete out justice in his time. They are truly happy indeed because they will inherit the eternal kingdom under the rule of a just God.

v6 People who hunger and thirst for righteousness desire to know and do what is right in God’s eyes. God promises that he will not only reveal to them what is right in his eyes but also empower them to do righteousness. They are truly happy in doing so, because they get to taste God’s good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).

v7 People who are merciful understand they are people deserving of God’s wrath (Romans 1:18) but were spared because of Jesus (Isaiah 53:6). Having been recipients of such mercy from God, they show mercy to people who deserve punishment. Such people are truly happy because God will show mercy to them, as they appreciate, accept, and then display God’s mercy as a sign of repentance.

v8 People who are pure in heart are those who have an undivided, singular devotion to God. Such people will see and know God personally. They are always truly happy because they have personally tasted and seen that God is good (Psalm 34:8).

v9 Peacemakers are those who bring the message that men can have peace with God because of Jesus’ sacrifice (Romans 5:1). They are truly happy because they have the privilege of being God’s children, as those who obey his will to preach the gospel are part of Jesus’ family (Matthew 12:50).

v10 & v11 People who are persecuted for following Jesus will be counted worthy as his kingdom subjects (John 15:18) and welcomed into the kingdom. Though they may suffer much on this earth, they are truly happy because they have a great reward in the coming kingdom – being part of it.

Jesus has given the pathway to true happiness, which is to recognise our need for him, rely on Jesus’ death and resurrection and live a life of repentance solely for him. If you’re on this journey, you’re truly blessed! If you’re not, come in and taste true blessedness in him alone instead of fleeting, worldly pleasures.