The beattitudes starting off the sermon on the mount pronounce blessings that seem to reassure those who hear them, and rightfully so, making them easy reading. I’m here to say they are much more than that, because of WHO declared them. No scribe had the authority to proclaim these things; scripture pointed out the people knew that, after the sermon concluded. To put it in perspective, we need to visit Revelation chapter 5.
- 1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
Why did this book matter so much? Because it was the judgment of God on mankind. 7 seals indicated it was complete; nothing could be added to it, unless someone worthy was willing to break the seals and add something relevant. It was God’s perfect case against man, that every one must die for his own sins, bar none. Being God’s judgment, only God could alter it. Humanity’s fate was sealed – until Jesus came to die in our place!
His sacrifice was witnessed by all heaven, as also His right to break the seals and add to the edict. Any who believed in Him could repent and receive pardon, trusting His death as adequate payment for the sins of the believer. Not everyone would believe the gospel, so not everyone would be saved, but no longer was everyone condemned, either. His sacrifice provided an alternative to total destruction.
By the time Jesus was born, the world’s condition had degenerated to the point that justice might as well be served. It was plain to the powers in heaven that humanity could not recover. Sin had doomed us, separating us completely from the holiness of God, who created and sustained us. Instead of pulling the plug on our life support, Jesus came in flesh to heal us and die in our place. We who had no future suddenly discovered a bright new one in our risen Savior!
Therefore, judgment was postponed while generations lived and died. Out of these, a minority put their trust in Jesus Christ. Slowly, over millenia, He has gathered a people who were never a people before we bowed to Him, building His own kingdom. He said He was going to His Father to build a place for us, remember? He didn’t need time. He built the heavens and the Earth in 6 days, you know. WE needed time! Many of us hadn’t been born yet. Jesus came to die for us in the fullness of time. Now He is finishing His Church in the fullness of time, as well.
The breaking of the 7 seals were never meant as the beginning of the Great Tribulation. They simply signified what would take place when Jesus suspended judgment for a later time. Ambitious men would rise, attempting to conquer the world and “save” it, in their own name. They were false messiahs. Jesus warned they would come. They failed time after time, because they are not Him. Caesar failed, and everyone with a similar mindset has failed since then, though they threatened stability each time.
OF COURSE, their ambitions and aggression will start wars. They have started many wars, attempting to rob people of their freedom. Revelation chapter 7 shows the progression of offenses and the conflicts instigated by them. Wars produce suffering, shortages and disease, leading to massive death tolls. The prayers of saints who have sacrificed everything to follow Christ beg Him to make it stop. They are comforted, while told that there are still more like them coming home, just be patient.
The Great Tribulation begins after the final seal is broken in chapter 8. Christ will have retrieved His Church by then. We’ll be with Him!
The beattitudes should be viewed in this light, as a proclamation of hope to a world that had none. Without Christ Jesus, there is no hope! It’s jarring and welcome to hear the Judge of nations declare that the formerly condemned are blessed. I leave you to consider those words in this light. The world in general does not believe His gospel, chooses not to repent and is still condemned, but these are His decrees for all who trust in His word!
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.