Does faith and luck have anything to do with each other? Not if we think that luck has nothing to do with God. But if we see God as a giver of luck or blessings, then faith and luck are closely related. Even the beatitudes could be translated “Lucky are those”. The Greek work used here is ‘makarios’ and it means “the ones to be congratulated” or “the ones who are fortunate”. Jesus starts his sermon on the Mount with congratulations. Jesus wants to make sure we understand that the ones that are seen lucky in the world are not the ones congratulated in the kingdom of God. When we look at the things from the kingdom perspective things suddenly get a different light.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
   for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
   for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
   for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
   for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
   for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
   for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
   for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12, NIV)

Lucky are those who belong to God. Lucky are those who know they need Jesus. Lucky are those who seek God. Lucky are those who are merciful and live in love. Lucky are those who know where their salvation come. Lucky are even those who suffer or mourn because then they can be even closer to God and their reward in heaven will be great. Lucky are those who don’t have anything else than Jesus. Because when we have Jesus we have everything.

The beatitudes describe qualities that are available for every Christian. We can’t force them to appear. We can’t make ourselves lucky or blessed or saintly. But these are qualities – just like spiritual fruit – that will appear in our lives if we abide in Christ. If we let the Holy Spirit do his work in us God will bless us beyond measure. Those blessings will keep us spiritually fulfilled even in the midst of hardships and difficult times while we are living. But the most blessed thing is that when we cling to Jesus God’s grace will lead us home to God. That’s why we are lucky – blessed beyond measure – no matter what happens to us. When we have Jesus we have everything forever and ever.

 

Gracious God,
Thank you for giving us Jesus!
Thank you for the gift of grace!
Thank you for the gift of salvation!
We truly are lucky and blessed!
Abide in us and
be strongly present in our lives!
Guide us clearly!
Take good care of us and
enable us to help others on the way.
Be praised forever and ever!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

 

Giving thanks today for

#8 JESUS!

#9 God’s grace during the hard times

#10 Times with family

#11 We are on our way Home for heaven

#12 It’s not about us, it’s all about God!

#13 God is with us even when life is chaotic

#14 warm fall weather

 

Q4U: Do you feel you are lucky to know Jesus?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you boldly live out your faith in Jesus!

Image courtesy of Joe Cavazos. Linking up with Sharing His Beauty &