Consider all of our criteria for happiness (missing from Jesus’ list of blessed people):
+success
+money
+entertainment
+commendation
+no pain
+health
+retirement
+self esteem
+fitness
+reputation
+included
+tolerant
+respected
+connected
+stuff
+insured
+’guaranteed’ income
+’permanent” income
+leisure
+ease
– – –
Question:
Does our list deliver?
Does the list deliver happiness, for real, for good, lasting?
– – –
– – –
Now, Jesus’ list:
1-“poor in spirit—happy-blessed”
2-“mourners—happy-blessed”
3-“meek—happy-blessed”
4-“hungry, thirsty for righteousness—happy-blessed”
5-“merciful—happy-blessed”
6-“pure in heart—happy-blessed”
7-“peacemakers—happy-blessed”
8-“persecuted for righteousness—happy-blessed”
9-“reviled, persecuted, falsely accused of evil for following Me—happy-blessed”
– – –
Question:
Does Jesus’ list deliver?
Does the list deliver happiness, for real, for good, lasting?
1-“theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
2-“they will be comforted”
3-“they will inherit the earth”
4-“they will be filled”
5-“they will obtain mercy”
6-“they will see God”
7-“they will be called the children of God”
8-“theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
9-“rejoice, be exceedingly glad, your reward is great in heaven, that is how the prophets before you were persecuted”
– – –
So, choose your list—
to achieve short-term ‘happiness’
or
to receive permanent blessedness.
Speak Your Mind