We continue to learn verses from what is commonly known as the Beatitudes, and the focus continues to be on Sanctification – the work of grace that God works in His children by Holy Spirit as we submit to Him and obey His Word.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
verse 7: God requires/demand of us that just as we expect to be shown mercy by Him, so too we are to be merciful to others. On several occasions Jesus told parables to re-enforce this teaching, and in what we commonly call the Lord’s Prayer Jesus concluded with Mat 6:14-15 “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
verse 8: Happy are the pure in heart – those whose daily focus is on holiness and purity, who pursue it in every area of their life – for they will have that assurance that when this brief lifetime is over they will have that awesome privilege of seeing God – such purity is not optional, it is the life pursuit of every truly born again Christian!
verse 9: As Christians we are called to pursue peace – Jesus called for us to “be at peace with one another.” (Mar 9:50), the writer to Hebrews “Strive for peace with everyone,” 12:14 in this we reflect the character of our Father, and we will be known as His His sons!
verse 10: To suffer rejection, persecution, even martyrdom specifically because we own the name of Christian and seek to honour God (righteousness’ sake) is to be the lot of every Christian. Sadly in our generation many want to be Christ’s without the suffering. Paul’s goal was to “share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” Phil 3:10
So, good as it is to memorise these verses, surely the even more important challenge is to live them out!