February, 2011

The beatitudes are not pious hopes of what shall be; they are congratulations on what is. The blessedness which belongs to Christians is not blessedness which is postponed to some future world of glory; it is a blessedness which exists here and now. It is not something into which Christians will enter; it is something into which they have entered. The very form of the beatitudes is the statement of the joyous thrill and the radiant gladness of the Christian life.

The word blessed which is used in each of the beatitudes is a very special word. It is the Greek word makarios. Makarios describes that joy which has its secret within itself, that joy which is completely independent of all the chances and the changes of life. The English word happiness gives its own case away. It contains the root hap, which means chance. Human happiness is something which is dependent on the chances and the changes of life, something which life may give and which life may also destroy. The Christian blessedness is completely untouchable and unassailable. “No one,” said Jesus, “will take your joy from you” (John 16:22). The beatitudes speak of that joy which seeks us through our pain, that joy which sorrow and loss, and pain and grief, are powerless to touch, that joy which shines through tears, and which nothing in life or death can take away. The Christian has the serene and untouchable joy which comes from walking forever in the company and in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Know that through Jesus you can find happiness even in times of tumult. Joy is there if you just look for it.

Hope you all have a Happy Valentines Day!