Hi, I'm Beverley Joy of Simply Story Poetry. This poem introduces the Beatitudes, found in Matthew chapter 5 verses 1 to 12, one of the well-known passages of the Bible, yet one of the most misunderstood. The Beatitudes is like a multi-faceted diamond. When you pick it up and inspect it closely, it sparkles in its many brilliant facets, each one presenting a different perspective of a believer's life.
The Beatitudes is part of Jesus' first sermon during His three years of ministry here on earth over 2,000 years ago. By this time, Jesus had called all his disciples. Now He began to teach them how to live a God honouring life or, in other words, to live a life like Christ, 'Christlike'. Jesus did not preach this sermon to the general public.
Although the Jewish people had already faced much persecution under different foreign rules, Jesus knew the persecution of the Jewish people would continue until He returned again to reign over the earth as king, during the millennium. He also knew that His disciples, current and future believers, would face a new type of persecution in the near future because of their Christian faith. Also, this persecution of His believers would continue until His second coming.
The Beatitudes, or blessings, sparkle with the grace and love of Jesus. The night before Jesus died on the cross, He prayed for all of His followers, current and future, which includes us, in John chapter 17 verses 13-21. When I read that passage, I picture myself standing nearby watching Jesus praying this prayer. Among all the wonderful acts of love Jesus did here on earth, He physically prayed for you and me and all believers. Jesus prayed that His joy is made full in us, to keep us safe from the evil one, to make us holy by the truth of God's Word.
Other poems in this series of The Beatitudes are The Beatitudes of Jesus - Introduction, Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit? Blessed Are Those Who Mourn? Blessed Are The Meek? Blessed Are Those Who Hunger and Thirst?
You can read my poems at Simply Story Poetry on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at simplystorypoetry.com and follow me on Instagram.
