Blessedness

Articles From Our Bulletins

Philip C. Strong
11/17/20 - Bulletin Articles

Unfortunately, we of think and speak of “being blessed” in physical terms. “Blessings” certainly can include corporeal benefits; of this there can be no doubt or argument, cf. Acts 14:16-17. But if our concept of “blessings” is solely based upon such temporal benefactions, we’re missing a vital point.

The word beatitude comes from the Latin, beatus, which simply means “blessed.” The Greek word in the text of what we typically refer to as The Beatitudes (cf.Matt.5:3-9,10-11 and Luke 6:20-22) for “blessed” is makarios (mak-ar-ee-os). It is difficult to adequately translate this particular term in a way that gives the full meaning. Some versions translate it as “happy”- which seems to fall vastly short. Jesus is not describing and prescribing characteristics and traits simply to make us “happy”!

Human happiness is usually contingent upon circumstances. Most could not be “happy” under the conditions described in The Beatitudes, or in 1Tim.6:10 of “having food and covering, with these we shall be content.” Content? Not likely- and certainly not “happy” either!

Happiness, at least our minds, is usually an emotional state contingent upon pleasing circumstances. But in The Beatitudes, Jesus is talking about a spiritual state of blessedness based upon a right relationship with God. Psalm 33:12, well illustrates this point, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” A N.T. parallel can be found in 1Pet.2:9-10 > 11-19.

So, these beatitudes, though each certainly contains a specified benefit, are not given to make us “happy” in life, but to make us fit subjects in, of, and for the kingdom. In fact, following the beatitudes does not guarantee “smooth sailing” in life. The same “rains descended and floods came” upon both “the wise” (who became blessed) and “the foolish man” (who didn’t) in Matt.7:24-27. The “house” which remained standing or fell was his soul rather than a physical domicile!

What’s the point of these things? A couple, actually:

We need to adjust our concept and application of being “blessed.” It is NOT to have everything, or even a greater portion, of the earthly benefits we desire and think will make us “happy.”
It IS when a statement of spiritual fellowship with God, regardless of the abundance or lack of physical things such as health or wealth (remember and consider carefully Lazarus and the Rich Man of Luke 16:19-31 in these regards).

When the characteristics, dispositions, and activities described and prescribed in The Beatitudes are incorporated in our inner and outer selves, we can thrive and prosper spiritually with contentment based upon our acceptance and fellowship with God, even when our present circumstances are as desperate as those described immediately following them in Matt.5:10-12! Please, think carefully on these things, won’t you?