Matthew 5:1-12 contains what is usually called the "Beatitudes." This comes from the Latin beatus, meaning happy or blessed. The idea is that of perfect happiness or blessedness. The Greek term, makarios, means "blessed, happy, or fortunate." However, the concept goes beyond just being "happy." From a physical standpoint, we know, for example, that the one who is persecuted and reviled is not "happy" in the usual sense. When Jesus says these are "blessed," He means blessed and favored by God. It is "that state of being marked by fullness from God" (Zodhiates 937). It describes those who are the privileged recipients of divine favor.
Makarios differs from the typical concept of "happy" in that the idea of happy often carries the concept of good luck coming from favorable circumstances. Yet, Jesus is not describing physically favorable circumstances. He is describing those who find their satisfaction and favor in God, regardless of their physical circumstances. He is describing those who, like Paul, could "rejoice in the Lord" even though their earthly situations were less than ideal (cf. Philippians 4:4).
In other words, true joy and happiness does not come according to the thinking of the world. "I'll be happy whenÉ" we often think. But when we get what we think will make us happy, we find that we are still not satisfied, and we target other items that we think will finally make us "happy."
Favorable circumstances can make a person "happy" in the typical sense, but that does not make a person "blessed" in the sense Jesus speaks of. In order to be blessed in this way, Jesus says that there are certain attitudes and actions that must be present. The kingdom of heaven (not the riches and kingdoms of the earth) belong to those who exhibit the humble and gentle qualities Jesus describes.
"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 gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive 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 have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
These are spiritual, inner qualities that manifest themselves in humble and gentle behaviors. The one who "poor in spirit" is one who recognizes his or her need for God. These are able to "mourn" for their sins in order to receive the comfort of forgiveness. The humble, or meek, are those for whom God has reserved grace (1 Peter 5:5). To those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, God will grant the fulfillment and satisfaction. Further blessing awaits the merciful, the pure, and those who make spiritual peace. Even those who physically suffer ridicule and persecution for the Lord's sake will be blessed by God in a way that will cause them to rejoice.
We must be a people who look beyond what the physical earth provides. If we think that happiness comes about due to our earthly circumstances, then we will be greatly disappointed. But if we look to the Lord for the peace and fulfillment that only He can give, we will be blessed beyond our ability to understand and explain (cf. Philippians 4:7). This is the abundant life of which Jesus speaks (John 10:10). It is this life in which we find true joy and happiness.
If you are looking for blessings that come from God, then you need to look to the qualities described by Jesus. The proof of your blessings will not be found in how great or wealthy you become in the here and now, but in how many treasures you have laid up for yourself in heaven.
How about it - are we blessed?
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 10/19/97.