The Sermon on the Mount is not a chance piece of teaching; it is Jesus opening up his heart to those who would follow him. Advertisers claim they have the “official drink of the Olympics,” etc. This sermon could be considered the “official teaching of Jesus.” It is the summary of all Jesus believed, taught and lived.
We sometimes define “blessed” as “happy” or even “superlatively happy,” but even that is a bit of a misrepresentation. The word “blessed” would be devalued if defined as “happy.” Happiness implies chance and is dependent on circumstances, weather, moods, physical health, other people, etc.
Sometimes Randy asks me, “Are you happy?” I have to stop and think. Am I in a good mood? Am I feeling good and cheerful? But what he is really asking me is: “Are you remembering right now that you are blessed?” It is possible to always answer “yes” to that question, no matter what is going on (or not going on) in our lives.
“Blessed” describes a joy that is independent of all the circumstances of life. Blessed means that there is a joy and a strength and a help from the very presence of God to see us through all the difficulties, tears and pains of life. Nothing can take away blessedness. You can lose your money, your job, your health, your plans and still know that you are in the company of Jesus—so you are blessed. This is not an ideal or a “wish,” but it is a truth, a reality.
John 16:22 claims that “no one can take away your joy”—this is the blessedness that Jesus talks about. How do we have this? It is not by doing it the way the world says to: “Look out for number one. Do what you feel is right. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Give yourself pep talks, etc.” No, we gain this blessedness by living our lives according to what Jesus says in his word.
Originally published in Life and Godliness for Everywoman, Vol. 2
