On the eighth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me,
eight statements of utmost bliss.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:3-10 NKJV)
A Beatitude is a formula phrase, well-known from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It starts with "Blessed are," and this phrase can be found throughout Scripture. Look for it in the Psalms, Proverbs and even Revelation.
In literary terms, a beatitude can be defined as an aphorism. An aphorism is a concise, memorable statement of truth. It is a pronouncement of blessing, more than a wish for blessing; it’s a desired quality of life. (paraphrased from Delight of Words by Leland Ryken)
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word, "barak" is translated "to bless." In Mounce's Expository Dictionary, he explains the outcome of God's blessing:
"When God blesses, it is not an impotent wish but the empowering and transforming word that accomplishes its purpose. To pronounce a blessing carries a sense of inevitability such that, once it has been uttered, it cannot be retracted."
He compares a human blessing upon others not as "magical, but as a prayer offered to a sovereign God." (Mounce)
As I enter the new year, I challenged myself to choose one beatitude and ask God to transform me into its truth. I chose with much trepidation and expectation:
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
I believe God fulfills the desires and aspirations of our prayers, but I also know that purity comes through refining fire.
God, be with me, as I enter Your intentions for 2013. Amen!
Thanks for the great study in scripture. I think we tend to miss the power of our words that come from God. I know we can't grasp the power of God's.
ReplyDeleteI take very seriously the words of blessings that I give and I get. The ones I received at Christmas were such amazing gifts! A person can't give a better gift than that. To ask God's blessings and favor upon another is a sign of wisdom and the love of Christ.
Blessings to you this year from our Father!
Thanks Floyd for stopping by. I love how you summarized that to ask for blessing and favor is both a sign of wisdom and love of Christ...never put that together before...thanks for the insight! and the Blessing!
DeleteHi Kel! Happy New Year...I love this. I love the thought of God's word holding so much power. We forget about this in our humanity. I need more of His purity...more of that refiner's fire. Yikes. What am I saying! Desire. Great word, my friend. May His and yours be one this year! Blessings, In His Grace, Dawn
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Dawn! Yes God's power can amazingly get obscured by my doubts and self-sufficiency...only when I recognize my weakness and inability to be pure of heart without His grace will I embrace His power.
DeleteI am so pleased to have come across your blog. I had been thinking about working on my attitude about a week or so ago. I was so intrigued by your mention of choosing one word to inspire this new year 2013. So my one word is attitude. My be-attitudes. Be- joyful. Be-kind. etc., etc.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed your postings.
Laurie- Glad you are finding encouragement and joy here! That is desire to offer words to nourish our souls. I love your word...attitude and the connection that are being influences our attitude. Cool!
DeleteKel..."blessed are the pure of heart"...what a wonderful prayer to start the new years. A missionary friend just died this morning and I was thinking of how to describe this Godly man. He was a man who lived a pure of heart life and was truely blessed with many gifts. Now he is meeting his blesser. Timely post for me this morning, thanks.
ReplyDeleteBetty- My heart goes out to you as you miss your friend...so thankful he can see God face to face! What a joy for him and a comfort for those he leaves here for now...
DeleteWow...Kel, that is a faith-filled prayer--asking to see God but knowing it will require refining.
ReplyDeleteI liked the reminder about the word blessing--it DOES have power. It's almost like a prayer for others without really praying.
Yes it will take faith to trust God in the refining process...but I want/desire his best and am so thankful for His GRACE! And Blessing...
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