Photo by roberthuffstutter
Painted by Carl Heinrich Bloch
These are the words that introduce the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5. I ran across a wonderful description of these great words of our Lord and would like to share them with you.
“Now was opened the richest fountain of instruction which had ever flowed for the good of mankind. He who had aforetime opened the mouths of prophets now opened his own mouth. Speaking distinctly and earnestly, as all should do who have an important messaged to deliver, he went on to pronounce seven benedictions upon seven sorts of persons. These seven descriptions makeup a perfect character, and the seven blessings appended thereto when combined constitute perfect bliss. The whole seven rise one above another like the steps of a ladder of light, and the blessings appropriated to each grow out of the virtues described. At the close of the seven beatitudes of character comes and eighth and double benediction bestowed upon that persecuted condition which is the present result of holiness. The whole make up a celestial octave of benediction.”
-Charles Spurgeon in “Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible”
The text:
2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
I hope these words have encouraged you today.
cr
Wings of the Wind 
Nice to have you come back to teach and to warm the hearts of those so fond of you and your family!
Hi Barbara. It’s so nice to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words. Please say “Hi” to Tom and Pete (and “oops” I can’t think of Pete’s new playmate’s name) for me. It’s a blessing to know someone whose boss is a Jewish carpenter.
God’s blessings…
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the encouragement…and what great timing! I was just reading this passage last night as I work my way through D A Carson’s excellent book on the subject.
God’s blessings to you and your precious family,
Sherryn
Hi Sherryn,
You’re welcome. And what great timing. Thinking of you and your family daily. Thank you for the kind comment. It’s always wonderful to hear from you.
God’s blessings…
Chris, where are you? Are you snowed under? Too long a wait for a post from you 🙂