Matt. 5:2-12 – Blessed are the Faithful

Reverend Leo H. McCrary II

Don’t listen to what the world says it means to be blessed because the world has no idea.

Today’s devotional reading: Matthew 5:2-12

We must not be confused about what it means to be blessed. From the time we were children, we learned that if we possess much, we are blessed. So, from the time we were children, we sought to have the kind of occupation that would lead us to living a life of wealth. Now, many of us have little to possess because those who have the world’s riches are so greedy that they leave so little for anyone else to have. Many are left living stressed and with anxiety today because of the game of ‘I must be richer than you’.

However, in His teachings, Jesus teaches against the very notion of gaining the world’s riches. Jesus taught that one should not worry about gathering riches, and about what they will eat or put on because the Lord provides (Matt. 6:25-34). Jesus taught the parable of the certain rich fool who was so greedy that he chose to build larger barns rather than share what he had stored up in an already large barn.

When Jesus taught about those who are blessed, He didn’t come close to saying the rich man is blessed. In fact, after teaching the rich young ruler, Jesus turned and told the disciples that it’s hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven because they can’t let go of their earthly treasures. Jesus taught that those who are blessed are those who can let go of the world, humble themselves, and live for others.

Yes, our devotion today should be to take care of ourselves, as we certainly must do that. However, the greater devotion is for us to be devoted to the Lord and His way. In His instructions, God has instructed us to be devoted to each other; we are to be a blessing to those who are around us. When you are the blessing, God has promised that you will be greatly blessed. So, I encourage you today, let us be faithful to the Lord by being faithful and devoted to each other, rather than devoted to greed.