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1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. 2 He said: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:1-12 NIV)
Dear Friend, I trust that this finds you well and warm! It's 32 here in Seguin and icy, so we're staying home! Please pray for those whose lives are on the streets and without the protection of a home.
In the 1980s, a book was written by Tony Campolo, a writer, preacher and professor of sociology. The book's name is Who Changed the Price Tags? It challenges readers to "change" a "messed up" value system where, metaphorically, the price tags on life's priorities have been switched. He shares a story where thieve break into a department store, not to steal items, but to switch the price tags, which creates havoc on shoppers. The emphasis is for believers to livs a life based on God's criteria rather than pursuing mundane, material goals. Another book The Upside-Down Kingdom by Donald B. Kraybill. emphasizing how Jesus’ vision of God’s kingdom reverses worldly values—power, success, wealth, and status.
In our family, Nellie and I have four daughters that love to read and they exchange and give each other books that they like. What I found interesting is that some of my girls like to go to the last chapter, read it, and then start the book. They want to know how the story ends. I applied it to this passage and went to the last verse to read how the story Jesus is sharing, ends. Here is that very: "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." This is where Jesus is leading us; to a place where we can be joyful and grateful because we know now that our reward will soon be great and in the special place, Heaven. The troubles and woes of today cannot measure to the greatest joy coming.
The Beatitudes reveal a kingdom that turns earthly values upside down. During Epiphany, when we celebrate Christ revealed to the world, these words show us just how radical that revelation truly is.
The world says: Be strong, self-sufficient, victorious. Jesus says: Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek. The world chases power and comfort. Jesus pronounces blessing on the merciful, the peacemakers, the persecuted.
This isn't positive thinking or self-help spirituality. Jesus is describing the character of those who truly belong to His kingdom—people who recognize their desperate need for God, who grieve over sin, who approach life with humility rather than aggression. These aren't just nice virtues to admire; they're the DNA of kingdom citizenship.
Notice that most of these blessings are present tense: "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." We don't wait until heaven to experience God's favor. Even in our mourning, meekness, and hunger for righteousness, we possess something the world cannot touch—the very presence and approval of God.
The Beatitudes end with persecution, a sobering reminder that living as salt and light often comes at a cost. Yet even here, Jesus calls us to rejoice. Why? Because we're in good company with the prophets, and because our reward is secure in heaven.
This Epiphany season, let Christ's revelation reshape your understanding of what it means to be blessed.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, turn our hearts toward Your kingdom values. Help us find our blessing not in earthly success but in knowing and following You. Shape us into people who embody Your upside-down kingdom. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! OUR CALL TO ACTION: Choose one beatitude that challenges you most and ask God to cultivate that quality in your life this week.
I love you and I thank God for you! You matter to God and you matter to me! Go win the world for Jesus by showing the world the better way to live!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
