8th "BE-ATTITUDE"

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.”

Matthew 5:10-12

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

Believers are called to a life which distinguishes them from the rest of the world – a life of genuine righteousness and persecution for it.  Everyone who lives a godly life will be persecuted even though it might not look like what we might expect.  It may not be physical but take the form of a verbal mocking, being outcast from a social group or even losing a job, but there is the same hostile intent behind the actions because of our faith.  It may also feel like we are constantly being chased by the enemy who wants us to fall especially when we stand up for what is right.  It is the cost of being in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It is our privilege to endure.

The result is more than compensation for all the earthly opposition, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  An inheritance in complete contrast to any present humiliation, Jesus offers a share in the Messianic kingdom, now and later.

                                                                            Joyce

7th "BE-ATTITUDE"

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.”

Matthew 5:9

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

Peacemakers are those who bring the same message of love and reconciliation to others as God brought to them through Jesus Christ.   They have a genuine love for all mankind.  They not only possess peace themselves, but out of love to God, they do everything possible to promote peace everywhere – preserving it between men and restoring it when it is broken.  These are the people who resolve differences and conflicts, quench hatred and unite the divided.  They understand what true peace is and that there is only one way for true peace – trusting in Jesus Christ.

The result is that those who have and promote peace become children of God – children who imitate their Father’s love.

                                                                           Joyce

6th "BE-ATTITUDE"

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Matthew 5:8

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

God alone is able to purify us from the inside out and make us free of all selfish thoughts, words and deeds plus self-seeking desires.  We are to completely surrender ourselves to Jesus Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to begin the process of being made clean, holy and conformed to His image.  Nothing short of a change of heart will bring about a pure heart – that simple and sincere inward holiness that only God can see.

The result is we will see God with our spiritual vision through faith here as well as in His heavenly kingdom in its completion.  We will see Him and His glory in everything we see every day, in all events and circumstances of our lives.

                                                                                         Joyce

5th "BE-ATTITUDE"

”Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Matthew 5:7

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

Mercy is shown through forgiveness, kindness and compassion to those who need some type of help and is rooted in the realization that we have been shown mercy by God.  Forgiving offenses regardless of the reasons or circumstances, looking for the good qualities in people, being helpful and giving toward the weak, sick and poor, plus being tender-hearted and sympathizing are all part of having a merciful attitude.  

Having the attitude, however, is only the first part of mercy.  Doing something about it is the all important second part.  Some works of mercy include feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, counseling the doubtful, and comforting the sorrowful, even a simple smile.

The result is divine mercy in this life and in the final judgment, not because we did enough good deeds, but because we were eager to share the mercy with others that we are shown every day. 

                                        Joyce

 

4th "BE-ATTITUDE"

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

To hunger and thirst for anything is a continuous desire – an eager, all consuming craving.  It is not a one time need, but a daily need in order to function properly.  The world hungers and thirsts for a variety of things – fame, power, money, beauty, etc. - but the true believer has this deep need for the Lord, Jesus Christ, our righteousness or they suffer from “spiritual malnourishment.” 

Righteousness is being in alignment with God and living a lifestyle that completely conforms to the will of God – a continuous desire for moral perfection.  For the believer, all daily actions, decisions, etc. will be done in the same way as Christ.  It is not seeking self-righteousness, but yearning for the righteousness that comes from God and doesn’t depend on our own will-power to achieve it but upon God. 

The result is satisfaction - a fulfillment of that desire only God can quench.  A transition and conversion to holiness that fills the true believer with peace and joy and satisfies their souls.
                                                                          Joyce

3rd "BE-ATTITUDE"

“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.”

Matthew 5:5

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

The Greek word for meek is praus and refers to a strong person who is under control – a God controlled person who is completely submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in thought, word, will, emotion and action.  To be meek is an outward expression of an inward transformation producing humility, strength and spiritual poise. 

Mentioned over 20 times in the Bible, it is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, a character of Christ, a mark of a disciple and a sign of a leader.  The word “meek” portrays a person who is humbled before God, but mighty and bold before the world.   One who has put faith and trust in Jesus and is walking by the Spirit will be gentle and kind, exhibit a docility of spirit, even in the face of adversity and hardship, because he knows that his past, present and future rests in God. 

The result is that they will possess the land signifying a sense of place, security and their inheritance as heirs of the Kingdom of God – heirs to enjoy everything God has given them and all things that are necessary for life in this world and also when there will be a new heaven and a new earth.

                                     Joyce

2nd "BE-ATTITUDE"

“Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted. “
Matthew 5:4

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

Mourning begins with humility and appreciation for our gifts and blessings from God and leads to regret over our own sins, the suffering of others and the might of evil throughout the world. 

When we recognize that we are sinners, we recognize that our personal sin, disobedience, mistakes and failures hurt our heavenly Father, brought dishonor to his name and that we do not deserve salvation and the joys of heaven.  Under conviction of the Holy Spirit, mourning our fallen nature creates in us a desire to repent, improve and do what is right.  This mourning is not just for the suffering and sadness of our lives and the lives of others, but ultimately for the sinfulness of the lost world that causes it.

The result is that God comforts those who turn to Him.  The comfort which God offers is not just consoling or soothing, but it is much more than that.  The Greek word for ‘comforted’ is ‘parakaleo’ which means ‘to call to the side of’, ‘to call near’. When we turn to God, He calls us to His side, He comforts us and comes to our rescue in this world and eternally in heaven.

                                                                                   Joyce

1st "BE-ATTITUDE"

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3

Mosaic Medleys – Beatitude Series

Poor in spirit does not refer to those who are poor in terms of finances or possessions, but rather a spiritual condition of poverty.  This spiritual condition results in the humble recognition of our need for God’s help.  The poor in spirit realize that all provision comes from the grace of God, that by themselves they can do nothing on their own and are completely empty and open to put their complete faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  The poor in spirit are not self-reliant, self-centered or self-sufficient, but are conscious of their sins and unworthiness and seek to live their lives in total dependence on God to supply their needs.

The result is that they are blessed and are able to be part of the kingdom of heaven.  They are not made rich in earthly possessions or power, but their greatest need is fulfilled by God’s righteousness, peace and joy.

                                                                                   Joyce

BEATITUDES

“Now when he saw the crowds,
he went up on a mountainside and sat down.
His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:”
Matthew 5:1-2

Jesus taught them what we commonly call the Beatitudes, a term which comes from the Latin beatus which means happy, fortunate or blissful and is an exclamation of the inner joy and peace that comes with being right with God.  They have also been referred to as the “Be-Attitudes” or “Be-Actions” that are to “be” true in the life of every Christian and are greatly contrasted to the worldly notion of “blessedness.”  The list of beatitudes is found in Matthew 5:3-12 and also Luke 6:20-23 and is one of the most quoted passages of the Bible.

Each of the 8 Beatitudes consists of two phrases: the condition or current state of well-being in the midst of our trials and tribulations in this world as well as the result or promise of a future reward in the Kingdom of Heaven.  They are familiar phrases from God’s word, but Jesus elevates them to new teachings which focus on mercy and compassion.   They follow a simple proverb-like pattern and show us the inner spiritual character of righteousness that Christ cares about plus teach us to match our attitude and actions with His.

The list of Beatitudes can be divided into those that illustrate how to relate to God (v 3-6) and how to relate to one another (v 7-12).  Taken together they give us a picture of the perfect disciple of Christ who is a joint-heir of God’s promises.

                                                                                 Joyce