Revelation 7:9-17
1 John 3:1-3
Matthew 5:1-12

In the name of the Father and of the +Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.  

We miss the meaning of the Bible because we look with eyes fixed on earth and not on heaven.  We hear “beggars in spirit” and think of depressed people, rather than of repentant believers who bow their knees before God knowing they are but beggars.  We hear “mourning” and think of the different emotions that accompanies the loss of loved ones rather than those whose heart breaks over their sin, who mourn it and suffer because of it.   We hear “meek” and think of those who are too weak to stand up for themselves and take what is theirs, rather than of those who look for every good thing from the Lord and thus are able to be gentle with others for in faith they need not engage in the dog eat dog attitude of this world.  We hear “hunger and thirst” and think of our stomachs, not paying attention to what they are thirsting for: the Lord and His righteousness that He gives abundantly and overflowingly to those who trust in Him.  We hear “merciful” and think of “paying it forward” or “what goes around comes around,” rather than thinking of how God’s mercy toward us shapes our relationships with others.  We hear “pure in heart” and think that if someone is good enough they earn the right to see God face to face, rather than of the faith that purifies the heart by clinging to God’s declaration of forgiveness, giving you the ability to walk by faith, and to see God at work in your life.  We hear of “peacemakers” and think of revolvers or international peace conferences and the end of world wars, rather than of those who work to bring Jesus to us, whose work gives us peace with God.  We hear “persecuted for righteousness’ sake” and think “no good deed goes unpunished,” rather than recognizing the enmity that the seed of Serpent and sin has always had since the beginning against the seed of God’s promise.   We are fixated on the here and now.  Christ is describing heavenly truths.  Repent, and listen rightly.