You may have noticed that I tend to use the Common English Bible a lot in these devotionals. I read each Scripture in at least three or four different translations, but I usually settle on the CEB. There is a very practical reason for this: I am a contract writer for the Cokesbury Publishing House where the CEB is mandated for all Adult Bible Studies and Daily Bible Devotionals. I find it easier to stick to that version as I do my daily devotionals just for expediency’s sake. But occasionally I bump into a word or phrase that gives me pause, and today is a good example of that. Before we go farther, let me ask you this: what is the difference between being blessed and being happy?

Today’s lectionary passage is the marvelous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus gave this speech while sitting on a mountainside surrounded by hundreds of listeners. Imagine that moment: He had an opportunity to say and teach important things to a captive audience who actually wanted to hear what he had to say. I have preached many a sermon to a captive audience, but I assure you, not everyone in the room wanted to hear what I had to say. I envy Jesus for his receptive audience!

Given the importance of this speaking opportunity, Jesus chose to deliver what we refer to as “The Beatitudes.” The word beatitudes translates into “blessings.” To be blessed is to be happy, to be sure, but it is a different kind of deep, godly joy. From the Greek word makarios, “blessed” is not a comforted and entertained type of happiness, but a serene and untouchable joy that can’t be shaken by current politics or situations.

But more importantly for me, using the word “blessed” as we see here in the New International Version translation signifies the real lesson. God is the giver of all blessings. We can be happy on our own, but only God can bless us. So when the Common English Bible uses the words “happy are those” instead of “blessed are those” it slightly misses the mark for me. Happiness is the result of a blessing, which is a gift from God.

Jesus’ goal in this sermon was to teach his disciples (note the use of small “d,” as all of the followers were disciples in this moment) how to behave. It is a mandate for ethical behavior and a list of rules for daily living. Jesus gave direction for how our ‘attitudes should be’ in this list of beatitudes. It was his declaration of the Kingdom of God. As you read through these verses, think about how radical they would have sounded to the people of Israel who expected a messiah who would come and break the Roman yoke by military force. This was not the messiah they were expecting.

Matthew 5 (New International Version)

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    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 children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Verses 9, 10, and 11 were probably difficult to hear. Maybe at this point Jesus’ audience wasn’t as receptive as they were in the beginning. I’ve been there, Jesus. Listeners who were longing for a leader to rise up against the oppressive government were probably quite disappointed to realize that Jesus’ way was one of peacemaking. To be told to rejoice in persecution rather than fight back must have been confusing and disheartening. But Jesus assured them that blessing would come to those who chose this path.

Jesus’ words call us to higher accountability and a better way of living. So if you find yourself poor in spirit, mourning, feeling meek, or hungering for righteousness in this life, be glad. If you are merciful and pure in heart, be happy. If you are being insulted and falsely accused of evil for your faith, rejoice.

You, indeed, are blessed.

Looking for a Lent Devotional resource? Check this out.

“Be” Blessed by Michelle Robertson