Perspective

Sometimes a word, although it sounds the same when spoken, has a different meaning. It has to do with the point of view of the speaker. Like the word blessed. If we see someone that is good looking with great hair and perfect skin we might be inclined to call them blessed. Maybe we see someone that is wealthy and they have all the nice things then again, we might call them blessed. Jesus was standing on a mountainside teaching his disciples and there was a big crowd of folks there. He began by talking about all those that are blessed. Most of those he called blessed we would likely call them cursed. Matthew 5 is where you can find this list of blessed folks. In verse 11 Jesus says that those who are insulted and persecuted and falsely accused because of him are blessed. Does that sound blessed? Well from our limited earthly view it doesn’t sound very good. But from God’s perspective he sees us as blessed if we suffer because of him. If someone believes in Jesus enough to take insults and persecution then they have an eternal future that is full of blessings. So often we look at our life from a temporary vantage point. We only see this life here on earth. There is more. This isn’t it. Life here on earth is a small part of our eternal existence. If we trust in Jesus then our life is blessed even when troubles come because the troubles will for sure end. If we don’t then the troubles here are only the beginning of the trouble. That is why Jesus sees those who have difficulties because of his name as blessed!! If you are going through hard times you are not alone. Jesus knows what it means to suffer. He is not a God who doesn’t care or understand!! Our life may not look blessed to the majority but it’s God’s perspective that counts!! Thank you Lord for blessing us in your son Jesus and securing for us a future beyond our wildest dreams!!