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The Beatitudes
Oct 28, 04:15 PM
The Sermon on the Mount is the constitution of the Kingdom of God. Its precepts are both individual and social. They set forth the ideal of the internal disposition of the human heart and the pattern for human relationships for those who desire to be citizens of that Kingdom. The Sermon itself is at first startling because it stands diametrically opposed to the standard of living to which we have become accustomed. When the immediate shock of such a contrasting reality wears off, we can be dismayed by the seemingly sheer impossibility of it. But when one has lived with the Sermon over time, the words become a beckoning call to a higher order of living: the life of the Kingdom of God.
It is no accident that Jesus gives this “new law” from a mountain. The first law-giver, Moses, brought the first law down from a mountain. We would expect Jesus to be equally, if not more intimidating than Moses. But we are not met with warnings of divine retribution and fear of punishment. In this instance, when Jesus opened His mouth to teach His disciples, the first word He uttered was “Blessed.” It probably ought more closely to have been translated, “happy.” It’s hard to make people afraid when the first word you say is “happy.” The principle of these first verses, commonly titled, “The Beatitudes,” is the key to blessed happiness. This is not the garden variety version you might hear in the latest self-help book. This happiness is deeper and more profound than might be found on a grocery store shelf.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Strange, isn’t it? The instruction is not issued as a command, which is in some ways what we have come to expect from the Bible. This, like the other Beatitudes, is a statement of reality, and a promise. Each one of us can therefore choose to participate or not. There is not even a warning attached to make us fearful if we should choose not to. Because of this, they draw us to their goodness.
The Beatitudes build on each other. They are not random proverbs. They form a cumulative pattern of life in which each virtue and endeavor is dependent upon the ones previous. It is a mounting pattern of righteousness laid upon the foundation of the first one: humility. The righteousness of God is primarily dependent upon a humble and contrite spirit. The proud and those who do not recognize their spiritual poverty cannot even begin to master the precepts of Kingdom life. In fact, humility is one of the most important aspects of walking with God.
Humility implies a supple, compliant, willing heart. Where we are “dug in,” willful, and defiant we do not get anywhere with God. Where we are concerned with our own vanity, pride, reputation, or recognition, we stand in opposition to the purposes of God. When we recognize our need, our absolute poverty before God, we create a place where God can work.
Humility and meekness must not be confused with temperament. It is not about one’s personality. One can be a strong leader and still walk in humility. Moses was called the meekest man who had ever lived. The meek are not consigned to a life whereby they can never assert themselves. Their hearts however are always submitted completely to the Lord in absolute reliance upon God’s mercy. They are always submitted in love and compassion to the needs of others. Thus, meekness and poverty of spirit are the foundation upon which all of the other Beatitudes are based.