Adventures through the Holy Bible - Week of June 26
God Knows…When I Want to be Happy – Part 3
One day Jesus gave some secrets of happiness to his twelve disciples and others who had gathered around. The peasants and fishermen wondered if Jesus was the Messiah. If so, they expected He’d make them happy by seeing they got plenty to eat and an easier life. The scribes and Pharisees, thought they’d be happy if Jesus would lead an army against the hated Romans. Jesus’ idea of happiness was much different than what they expected. Jesus began with a list of “Blesseds.” In modern English, we could substitute “happy” or “fortunate” for “blessed.”
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Happy is the person who knows he needs help in order to live right.
“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” When we are really sorry for our sins, not just for the trouble they get us into, we will turn away from them. We will be happy that Christ has forgiven them. When something makes us sad, we can be comforted by knowing that we are in God’s hand. He sees what we cannot see. He knows how to turn our problems into moments of growth and joy.
“Blessed are the meek.” Being meek as Jesus meant it does not mean letting people walk all over you. Meekness that helps us rise above the mean and picky things others say or do. The meek person stays cool and self-controlled. Little things don’t get him down or make him blow his top. He trusts God, not himself. This give him a strength the bully doesn’t have.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will not be disappointed.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Being kind and forgiving to others will rebound. It will bring us happiness in return.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” If we keep our thoughts pure and refuse to think dirty and selfish thoughts, our minds will be clear to understand God. Someday we can actually see Him.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” When Jesus gives us peace, it is a gift we can share with others. By loving others instead of fighting them, our happiness will grow.
Looking ahead, Jesus knew that the disciples would face troubles. So he gave them courage. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.”
We can be happy even when we get into trouble for doing right. We don’t need to get upset if we are misunderstood for following God’s way. God knows all about it. The never-ending happiness of heaven will be more than worth the short-term trouble of earth.
Do we want to concentrate on the world’s temporary rewards? Or on Christ and His values? If we choose Christ’s way, we will discover that what we “have” or “have not” doesn’t decide our happiness. The truest and longest-lasting happiness is found in making Christ’s values our own.
Where to find the story: Matthew 5 and 10, and Luke 5-6
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