28 August | EVERYONE
“And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 5:1-3
The Master's words shook the soul. They were fiery arrows of the Spirit that pierced the most hardened heart. Unbelievers could pretend not to understand; but in the court of their own conscience, they saw themselves described by those words. That morning Jesus went up the mountain and from there taught them the key to happiness. It is not some hidden secret. It is not a matter of deciphering an obscure cryptogram, nor is it a mysterious formula; it is living with Him and reflecting His character.
The Master said that happy or blessed people are those who learn to be poor in spirit, who weep, who are meek, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, who have a clean heart, who are peacemakers, who know how to suffer persecution, and who endure insult and slander. "Throughout the Beatitudes there is an advancing line of Christian experience" (Ellen G. White, Thought from the Mount of Blessing, p. 13).
Their listeners that day would wonder how, with such characteristics, they could defeat a tyrannical, harsh, bloodthirsty power like that of Rome which dominated them. What they wanted most was to be freed from that subjugating power. But then Jesus appeared teaching meekness and humility and that happiness consists in being a peacemaker who silently endures the misfortunes of this world. This message surely upset them. They did not know that the Master was not referring to requirements for conquering the fleeting, seductive, lying power of this world but was describing the people who would inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Such a realm does not function according to the plans of the human mind. We are immediatists par excellence. We prioritize the here and now and forget what is really worthwhile.
Take Action
You may be tempted to assume "airs of grandeur," but it is the path of simplicity that will make you happy. Learn to give value to what really has it, even if it seems "small" to you, and you will begin to taste happiness in every experience of life. Sing "The Beatitudes" (if possible, with your family).