Happiness
Happiness is not an unattainable abstract.
In every season of life, we say, either silently whispering to ourselves or in utter desperation to others, “I just want to be happy.” If we’re honest, we all long for happiness. Happiness that rises above the temporal circumstances in which we find ourselves. Happiness that sores above the dark clouds of suffering and pain. As the world seemingly advances, cries for joy grow louder. The vast majority of those seeking ultimate happiness end up only manufacturing utter misery in the end. Real and meaningful joy seems elusive and impossible to obtain with any substantial measure of satisfaction.
Happiness is not an unattainable abstract. With the opening words of Matthew 5, Jesus unveils lasting happiness with eight simple statements that we know as “the Beatitudes” (Matt. 5:3–12). The word “beatitude” is from the Latin word beatus, meaning “happy” or “blessed.” Lest we think Jesus is pointing to a carefree slap-happy life free from all cares, the blessing Jesus is referring to isn’t free from the shackles of sorrowful circumstances but rises above such turmoil to reveal ravishing joy. Jesus refers to the deep inner joy that resides within the heart of every Christian believer when new life-giving grace dawns in the darkness of a stony heart.
Each beatitude is two parts of a whole—an existing quality and a future promise that results in present joy. First, Jesus identifies specific characteristics residing within all authentic believers, lifting that quality to the level of untouchable joy.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit” (v. 3).
“Blessed are those who mourn” (v. 4).
“Blessed are the meek” (v. 5).
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6).
“Blessed are the merciful” (v. 7).
“Blessed are the pure in heart” (v. 8).
“Blessed are the peacemakers” (v. 9).
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake” (v. 10).
These descriptors aren’t defining a few elite Christians. Instead, the beatitudes affirm a quality and realm of existence in which every true believer resides.
The second statement to each beatitude promises a secured future resulting in a superior joy that lives anchored to God’s glorious promises rather than succumbing to misery in temporal circumstances.
“for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3).
“for they shall be comforted” (v. 4).
“for they shall inherit the earth” (v. 5).
“for they shall be satisfied” (v. 6).
“for they shall receive mercy” (v. 7).
“for they shall see God” (v. 8).
“for they shall be called sons of God” (v. 9).
“for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v. 10).
Believer, these promises are yours in Christ. Notice the finality and security of each promise. Not, “they might,” but “they shall.” These are not promises lavished upon privileged Christians but are guarantees applicable to every believer in every setting, culture, and age.
It’s easy to view the Beatitudes as a type of spiritual buffet from which we can pick and choose. The Beatitudes are not fruits of the Spirit. These are not individual parts brought together to form a whole. For instance, you are not “poor in spirit” while someone else may be “merciful.” All the Beatitudes are qualities meant to be manifested within every believer.
Additionally, the Beatitudes are not qualities we would choose for ourselves. Nothing natural within us mourns over sin, extends mercy to others, facilitates peace, or rejoices in persecution. Instead, these are virtues of God’s grace given through Christ and his gospel. This blessed state is the work of God’s divine grace meant to be the way we live for his glory in this broken world.
The Beatitudes turn the value system of the world upside down. In a world steeped in the values of self-fulfillment, toughness, individuality, and self-expression, it’s entirely foreign to our modern sensibilities to hear Jesus bless qualities like poverty of spirit, mourning, humility, emptiness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and persecution. Jesus reminds us that these qualities are divine pronouncements of grace that flow seamlessly from one to the next, unveiling God’s creative masterpiece of those who are in Christ. If you long to rebuild your life around God’s truth and experience the supreme joy that only Christ promises, this is where to begin.
by Dustin Benge
BIBLE STUDY : Verse by Verse Ministries
by Steve Armstrong
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