They Will See God

TNIV Scripture for Monday, September 1, 2008 [Matthew 5:3-8

'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Jesus' words must have shocked the multitudes that came to the Mount of Beatitudes to hear Him, just as these words still shock you today when you take the time to ponder their meaning. Who will inherit the kingdom of heaven according to Jesus? It is the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the spiritually hungry and thirsty, the merciful and the pure in heart. But the world and Satan, the prince of this world, have a different message, one directly opposed to what Jesus taught. The world's message permeates your thinking because it is loud and clear and nearly everywhere you go. Not only is Satan's message ubiquitous, it also appeals to your fallen flesh. It is no wonder that the words of Jesus sound so strange. Meditate on His words and ask God to shake up your mind today with His truth. Allow His wisdom to fill you up and spill out so that the world can see God's radical truth and lead others to be pure in heart and to see God.

Beth Warlick, 9/1/2008 1