The Beatitudes Revisited

The Beatitudes as Stages of Faith Progression

A few years back I wrote a resource suggesting that the Beatitudes seemed to outline stages of faith.  After a couple of challenges to that concept, I thought I would take some time to make a clearer expression of that idea.  

First, let me explain that I’m not suggesting the Beatitudes are a “program” that a person could simply pick up and put to use in an “earn my way” or “scout badge” series of steps to be a better Christian.  What I am saying is that they seem to show a natural progression of faith development.  It’s as if Jesus is providing a roadmap to show how one can recognize benchmarks in their spiritual development.  

Think of it more like a passage than a process (not unlike rites of passage).  A process is really only half dimensional—it only moves in one direction in steps until completion.  However, a passage is multi-dimensional—while there is a starting point, a destination (although it isn’t final) and predictable waypoints in between, a person may move forward or backward, may end up at two benchmarks at the same time, may need to return and revisit a waypoint, may review any waypoint at any time, and will be transformed at each point all along the way.  Still, it seems that each waypoint provides a foundation for the next, and each waypoint is in some way dependent on those that came before it.  

Second, I’m not suggesting that this interpretation of the Beatitudes was how the original audience would have received it.  I’m only suggesting that it seems consistent with what we know of how a person grows spiritually and thus becomes a helpful barometer for our own growth.  Of course it should never be used as a tool of judgment to suggest one person is more mature than another, but instead an instrument to contemplate and ask, “am I reflecting a pattern of growth in my progression through these “stages?”  Let’s consider those phrases once again:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.     (quality of “poor”)

To be “Poor in Spirit” is to find one’s self emptied, in search of hope.  Such a search ends in a recognition of one’s spiritual bankruptcy.  Such a recognition leads to a time of mourning one’s failures and sinfulness.  Such mourning leads to a broken and contrite heart which opens one to the hearing of the gospel and the finding of salvation and the kingdom of heaven.   

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.   (action of “mourn”)

Who has mourned without first recognizing one’s bankruptcy? Who has been broken before understanding one’s failure?  It is when we mourn that the Spirit of comfort comes.[1]  And this Spirit speaks to our heart and reveals the Truth of the mercy of forgiveness through the sacrifice of Christ and the grace of calling to discipleship in His resurrection.  This comfort brings peace and hope and yields humility.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.   (identity of “meek”)

Who has become meek that has not first faced one’s own guilt and shame and found one’s self begging at the foot of the cross?  To be “meek” is the humble submission of one’s will before another—the placing of another’s will as priority over one’s own.[2]  Confronted with one’s inadequacy and need for salvation, one seeks obedience to the One who can bring righteousness.  This obedience not only leads to the hope of heaven, but also a peace and contentment in this world that makes one recognize one’s wealth in this life.  This perspective is, in itself, an inheritance in seeing the Kingdom Come in spite of the fallenness of humanity.  

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.[3]    (action of “hunger and thirst”)

Who has felt the pain of Spiritual hunger and thirst for righteousness who has not first recognized the Truth of God, accepted their spiritual bankruptcy, mourned their sinfulness, and humbled themselves before God?  Who has ever wanted more of God who has not yet tasted the sweetness of forgiveness, the hope of salvation, and the promise for empowerment?  And what does hunger and thirst do in the victim?  It motivates, it pushes, it provokes one to ask, seek, and knock to receive, find, and be allowed in.  One who hungers eats.  One who thirsts drinks.  And one who does these things is filled.  

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.[4] (identity of “merciful”)

Mercy is not getting what you justly deserve—in our sin, we deserve punishment.  The mercy of God is not receiving that punishment.  Who is merciful that has not experienced mercy from the comforter?  Who shows mercy who has not yet mourned one’s own failure and understood one’s own humanity thus understanding the humanity of one’s very enemy? Who shows mercy who does not have humility—the meekness to put another’s good or will before one’s own desire for justice?  Who shows mercy that does not have the Word living through them from the fullness of His love?  Mercy is only evident in a life transformed from the human tendency toward retaliation and vengeance to a Godly desire to become the very Word one hungers and thirsts for.  Such a transformation is itself an expression of mercy.  

Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.[5]    (quality of “purity”)

Who is pure in heart who has not first fully repented of one’s sinfulness in light of the revelation of the truth of one’s fallenness in contrast to the love and ready forgiveness of Christ?  Who is pure in heart who has not humbly submitted one’s self to the Savior to walk in His way and live as a new creation?  Who is pure in heart who has not been filled in response to hunger and thirst by the Word of God by tasting its goodness and drinking deep of its abundance?  Who is pure in heart who has not shared the love of Christ through the expression of mercy?  The reward is to see God.  Purity of heart is to have a heart like His.  To have a heart like His, is to see Him in one’s own reflection.  

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.[6]   (identity of “peacemaker”)

Who has the passion to bring peace who has not first tasted the fruit of peace between one’s own heart and that of God?  Who has the power to make peace who hasn’t first recognized one’s own feebleness and submitted one’s own will to the strength of the Holy Spirit to work through one’s self?  Who has the experience to bring others into right standing with God or their enemies who has not first feasted at the Lord’s table, or mercifully called others to one’s own.  Who wants more the reconciliation of the lost, to make peace between them and God, who does not have His heart?  Who has the will to put one’s self between enemies who doesn’t have Christ’s blood pulsing through one’s own soul?  These show whose they are and are thus called by their identity—the children of God.  

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.[7]     (action of receiving “persecution”)

Who is persecuted who has not been transformed into an unrecognizable new creation that presents one’s self as meek to a world that doesn’t comprehend submission?  Who is persecuted who does not make people uncomfortable by one’s hunger and thirst for righteousness?  Who is persecuted who has not shown mercy where mercy wasn’t desired? Who is persecuted who has not become pure in heart forsaking the ways of the world for the ways of God’s Word? Who is persecuted who is not recognized as a child of God?  Who is persecuted who has not stood in the gap as a maker of peace where peace was not wanted? It is when one has reached a maturity that the people of this world can no longer tolerate one’s power in the Spirit that one is feared, and those who are feared are attacked.  Seldom are believers persecuted if they have not begun a life of service and construction of the Kingdom.  Seldom are believers attacked if they have not made their faith known nor attempted to seek and save the lost.  Satan in the world doesn’t care about ineffectual immature believers who do not live the commission and commands of Christ—they pose no threat or concern.  These receive the kingdom of heaven as reward for their efforts in spite of persecution.  They see lives transformed, hope inspired, power expressed, and the stones of the temple laid in the hearts of humankind.  The more transformed, the more “thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”[8]  

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.[9]   (condition of being “reviled”)

Who is reviled who hasn’t so long walked the straight and narrow from mourning into joy that one is now an object to be envied?  Who is persecuted who doesn’t have something so worthy of jealousy yet so seemingly sacrificial?  People see the blessing of joy in such as these.  They desire such joy.  They may be poor in spirit and may even mourn their failures.  But too often they refuse to humbly submit to the Will of the one who would ultimately grant them that joy by leading them down the path of transformation.  Ultimately, their unwilling heart makes them bitter towards those who do, so they turn to attempt to knock these off their righteous “pedestals” not realizing such as these never climbed any such columns to begin with.  They don’t realize the way up is first down, on one’s knees.    

Jesus doubles down on the “joy” of persecution, going so far as to suggest we should “rejoice and be glad” for such persecution.  When one is persecuted, one can be assured they are moving in the right direction, and what more can one find joy in than knowing one is doing the Will of the Father?

I hope that what I have outline has shown the value and benefit of considering the Beatitudes from this perspective, and challenges you to continue the passage on to a deeper love and strength in Christ.  
  

[1] 28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”    Matt 11:28-30 (NLT)

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.7 We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.  2 Cor 1:3-7 (NLT)

 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope,17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.  2 Thess 2:16-17 (NLT)

[2] Trust in the Lord, and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. 4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. 6 He will make your vindication shine like the light, and the justice of your cause like the noonday. 7 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him; do not fret over those who prosper in their way, over those who carry out evil devices. 8 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret—it leads only to evil. 9 For the wicked shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there. 11 But the meek shall inherit the land, and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.  Psalms 37:3-11 (NRSV)

 The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever. 30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak justice. 31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their steps do not slip.    Psalms 37:29-31 (NRSV)

 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.     Prov 22:4 (NLT)

 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, 8 he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.      Phil 2:3-11 (NRSV)

[3] 1“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good?

Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. “Come to me with your ears wide open.

Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. See how I used him to display my power among the peoples. I made him a leader among the nations. You also will command nations you do not know, and peoples unknown to you will come running to obey,

because I, the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, have made you glorious.” Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them.Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways

and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to,

and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song,

and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the LORD’s name;they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”   Isaiah 55:1-13

 14“But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”  John 4:14

48”Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.” John 6:48-51

[4] 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.     Matt 6:14-15 (NLT)

[5] 4Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,

who do not worship idols

and never tell lies.

They will receive the LORD’s blessing

and have a right relationship with God their savior.

Such people may seek you

and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Psalm 24:4-6

[6] 49Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. John 11:49-52

[7] 13Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! I Peter 3:13-17

 12Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. If you suffer, however, it must not be for murder, stealing, making trouble, or prying into other people’s affairs. But it is no shame to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God for the privilege of being called by his name! I Peter 4:12-16

[8] Many so-called Christians in our modern times feel that they are persecuted because of their faith who are not actually living out the faith taught in the Word of God.  This is NOT the persecution Jesus is speaking of being blessed.  They are simply being persecuted for their own unwillingness to “walk the talk.”  You can often tell those living this life of blessing versus those who are not—those who live this life of blessing don’t make a big deal about being persecuted for their faith.  Just as Jesus was silent before Pilate, those who are blessed continue about the work of the kingdom with little concern for the attacks of their enemies because deep down, they hope they can still reach their attackers and make peace with them.  On the other hand, those who don’t live by the Spirit often show righteous indignation for their treatment, and show little care or concern for their attackers.  

[9] 22What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way. Luke 6:22-23

 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. I Peter 2:19-23