Matthew 5:1-12 Devotional

Devotional: Blessed Are You…

Imagine you're seeking comfort and clarity at a retreat center in the Hocking Hills. You sit with a group of people from different walks of life, each carrying their own burdens and stories. The retreat leader begins to speak, and His words aren't just commands; they are blessings, speaking directly to the heart of each listener.

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12  (CSB)

1 When he saw the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him.

2 Then he began to teach them, saying:

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

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

5 Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.

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

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

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

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

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. -- Matthew 5:1-12 (CSB

As a pastor, I have served communion literally hundreds of times, but clearly, my favorite way is to have families come forward row by row and kneel at an altar rail and an elder, and I would serve each person the communion elements.  As I served the wine, I would address them by name and say a blessing over each person. When it was the children, they did not receive communion until they made a profession of faith; however, I would put my hand on their heads, address them by name, and give them a longer blessing. When I read the Beatitudes, I envision Jesus moving from person to person, placing his hand on people and addressing them by name as he speaks the Beatitudes. 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, Jacob, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” So, as you read Matthew 5: 1-14, envision Jesus placing his hand on your head and hear him say a blessing to you. “

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessings You have spoken over us through the Beatitudes. Help us to embrace these attitudes in our daily lives. May we recognize our need for You, seek comfort in Your presence, and extend mercy to others. Grant us the purity of heart to see You and the courage to be peacemakers in a divided world. Strengthen us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution. May Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.