Remarkable

Matthew 5:1-12, Galatians 3:13-15

 

 

There are certain speeches in a nation’s history that define, inspire, challenge or comfort during trying times.  In our history such speeches include the Gettysburg Address and ‘I Have A Dream’ speech.  Long before these remarkable orations were the words of a Prophet from Nazareth of Galilee introducing the near arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven from the top of a mountain.  The first word from His mouth was the word blessed, meaning happy.  This word started nine sentences in the Beatitudes disclosing the remarkable realities of the blessedness of the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

1. The Kingdom Of Heaven’s Promises Are Paradoxical.

Jesus called those who mourn, suffer thirst and hunger, and are persecuted for being righteous ‘blessed.’  We associate mourning, suffering and persecution with unhappiness.  But Jesus states the opposite!  Those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven have their persecution, mourning and thirst for righteousness transformed into a blessedness.  That is remarkable.

 

2. The Beatitudes Are A Revealing Profile Of Jesus.

The virtues expounded up in the beatitudes are the virtues so evident in the Life of Christ.  We are to take up the Cross of humility, humbleness, gentleness, righteousness, and meekness.

 

3. The Beatitudes Are Remarkably Powerful. There is a transcendence beyond the here and now that extends out into eternity. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”