Blessed

Life Hacks: Part 1

By Amitabh Singh

God’s blessings are found in every life circumstance. Blessings are not limited to a good season - they can be found in the good and the bad times of life.

We have a poor perspective on what being “blessed” means. We typically understand it as blessings mean good things.

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the Beatitudes – eight statements beginning with the word blessed. This word affirms a state of blessing that already exists for you. The Greek word for “blessed” used in the Beatitudes is Makarios.

In ancient Greek times, makarios referred to the gods. The blessed ones were the gods and not humankind. They had achieved a state of happiness and contentment in life that was beyond all cares, labors and death.

Jesus introduces us to a teaching which is not only infinitely higher, but contrary to that which motivates the world. In this sermon, Jesus gives a list of eight characteristics to be a blessed people.

John Stott, author and theologian, says that it is a serious mistake to call it “happiness”. Jesus is not talking about how you feel about events in your life. Maybe in today’s setting, the word we should use is “Congratulations”.

The Sermon on the Mount does not talk about how happy life will be, but rather congratulates us, for it will be worthwhile when we see God face to face. Jesus is congratulating His faithful followers.

The blessedness that Christ offers to all of us today is completely untouchable. That’s why Jesus said in John 16:22 – “No one will take your joy from you.”

A change in fortune, a collapse in health, or a loss of a job cannot take away the fickle joy which the world offers. We can experience a serene and untouchable joy which comes from walking forever in the presence of Jesus Christ.