If you’ve been in church for a long time, you may have heard that the Beatitudes are almost like the Ten Commandments of the New Testament, that Jesus is saying that if you do these things, you’ll grow and be blessed. While this is true, let’s look at another dimension of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus looked out at a crowd filled with people needing help — the outcast that society had rejected — and declared them blessed. He wasn’t saying to do or be certain things; instead, He was saying that the Kingdom of Heaven had come and was available to them right at that moment. Many thought they were disqualified because they were not wealthy or super-religious, so Jesus declared to them that God’s Kingdom was among them now so they could have hope!

The Beatitudes are Jesus’ proclamation that the best is yet to come! He sets the stage and tells people that the world is about to be shaken up, that the first will be last, and that God has chosen rejects, prostitutes, murderers, and tax collectors to be His chosen ones. He’s picked anybody that will simply answer the call and say, “Yes, Lord.” 

Friend, hope, and joy are yours in the Kingdom of God today, just as they were when Jesus first announced His coming over 2,000 years ago! Regardless of your past mistakes or how inadequate you feel, you can receive His good news! Just call out to Jesus and ask Him to be the Lord of your past, present, and future.