Blessed
Jesus used the term “blessed” nine times in his
introduction to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5.
The term “blessed” comes from a Greek word MAKARIOS which “denotes to
pronounce happy, blessed” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament
Words).
Our English word “happiness” contains the root “hap” which means
“chance.” So, our word “happiness” indicates that the joys of this life
are often based on chance and circumstance.
Yet, as Jesus says “blessed” or “happy” He is offering something much
greater than a chance pleasure. If we will become what Jesus encourages
in Matthew 5, what David encourages in Psalm 1 and what John encouraged
in Revelation 22:14 we can have a sure and eternal joy and blessing
based on God’s promises to us.
Or, as Jesus said, “...you now have sorrow; but I will see you again
and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you”
(John 16:22).
How blessed it is to be among the “blessed.”
August 2005