Today’s Devotion
Topic: ‘Blessedness’ 2017!
(Self Assessment 155)
Background: Today, 31st December, being the last day of the year is often a day for reflections and meditation. With all the twists and turns that this passing year offered, some of us will be clearly remorseful for some errors we contributed to, others will be glad about the achievements they made in their various endeavours.
However, both groups (as in those who have regrets about the year and those who had great sucesses), have one thing in common; a huge expectation that the coming year becomes much better and brighter than the past. It is a good desire actually, because the glory of the latter temple is always better than the former. The Lord’s blessings upon us increases with every step of closeness with Him.
You remember that during Jesus’ first sermon on the mount, He preached about “blessedness” in the most unusual way. The things He mentioned as making a person blessed from heaven’s perspective, were far from the cars, houses, great jobs or money that we desire. Let us delve into that sermon, identifying those virtues our Lord called “blessed” and see if we can apply ALL in our lives for the coming year and beyond.
Text: Matthew 5: 3- 12
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Amen
Questions:
i) Who are the poor in spirit, and why is theirs the kingdom of heaven?
ii) We mourn when we have had a great loss. How then is the mourning blessed according to verse 4?
iii) Who is a meek person, why is the meek blessed and what does it mean to inherit the earth?
iv) How do we demonstrate a hunger and thirst for righteousness?
v) According to verse 7, what’s the reward for the merciful? In practical terms, how does this apply?
vi) For all who wish to see God, what must they do, according to verse 8? What does it mean to be pure in heart?
vii) What’s the reward for the peacemakers of 2017? (Read verse 9). Who is a peacemaker? How can one attain such a title when they don’t work for the United Nations?
viii) According to verse 10, whose is the kingdom of heaven?
ix) What about those who are falsely accused and insulted for no evil commited; what blessings are there for them? (Read verse 12)
x) What have you learnt from today’s discussion?
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