Gratitude for the Beatitudes

It took my breath away. We stood in Israel on the Mount of Beatitudes at sunset, overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

Our hearing devices remained securely in our ears to listen to our tour guide’s historical information. Then it happened. We heard Lysa TerKeurst’s voice, accompanied by soft background praise music as Adam played the guitar. She invited us to walk down the Mount with her, toward the Sea of Galilee.

Then she did it. She read to us the Beatitudes and other passages from the Matthew 5, 6, 7’s  Sermon on the Mount as we followed quietly down the mountain.  My soul leapt with emotion.

Jesus’ “inaugural address,” the Sermon on the Mount,  is one of my favorite passages in all the Bible because of its sweet, practical application.

Journey with me, reading the Beatitudes, as we breathe in the Sea of Galilee. Imagine sitting on the sloping mount, listening to Jesus’ message:

“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:

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

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

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

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

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

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

Blessed are those who are persecuted, 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.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ‘” –Matthew 5:1-16

My life verse. Matthew 5:16. Soul, be still. It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life.

Lysa finished reading as we approached the bottom of the mountain. The path became rugged and dropped off quickly into a cliff. Lysa turned to help each of us down the cliff. Then we turned to help those behind us. All 130 of us made it safely down the Mount of Beatitudes. What a poignant picture of our faith.

Our journey to faith may not always be smooth. But God and the body of Christ are there to guide and help. May we always have gratitude for the powerful Beatitudes as we live out our mountaintop experiences.

Reflect:

–Which part of the Beatitudes and/or Sermon on the Mount can you relate to the most? Why? Please comment.

Renew:

–“In the same way, ‘let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” –Matthew 5:16 NIV.

Respond:

–How will you live out the Beatitudes this week?

Resource:

www.proverbs31.org

www.lysaterkeurst.com