Sermon on the Mount: What Does it Mean to be Blessed?

 In the Sermon on the Mount, there are eight blessings pronounced by Jesus upon His followers.  What does it mean to be blessed?

It could mean an abundance of wealth.  Yet, Solomon says there is a difference between having wealth and being given the power to enjoy it.  Paul writes that we can be blessed by God "and he adds no trouble to it."  Riches, by themselves, do not have the power to satisfy our souls.

It could mean simply "happiness"- those events of life that bring us joy and pleasure.  We know, however, that such happiness may not last.  Solomon even says that good things and trouble sometimes happen together.  Simple happiness doesn't last.  Our souls remain discontent.

Our hearts truly long for more:  Contentment, Satisfaction, Well-being, Fulfillment.  We want happiness on the inside, where the events of the hour cannot change it.  We want happiness that is permanent, that carries over into eternity.  Can true happiness be found even in the midst of pain and misery?

"Blessed" is a word that describes God Himself.  He is the happiest being because all things are ordered by His wisdom.  He is in control of all things.  His righteousness and glory are displayed.  Nothing can mar his joy.  It is the life and joy shared among the members of the Trinity that amazes the psalmist:

"Awesome is God from his sanctuary, the God of Israel- He is the one who gives power and strength to his people.  Blessed be God!"  (Psalm 68:35)

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.  Blessed be His glorious name forever, may the whole earth be filled with His glory!  Amen and Amen!  (Psalm 72:18-19)

The kind of blessing envisioned in the Beatitudes is the kind of blessing that invites us into relationship with an eternally happy God.  We are, according to Peter, invited to share as "partakers in the divine nature," to enter into the same bliss in which God Himself resides.  It is permanent and unwavering.  Every nook and cranny of our souls pleads for filling.  God pours Himself, and His happiness, into our hearts and the image of God in us shouts for joy.  "Increase, O Lord, our capacity to glorify and enjoy You!"