Luke 6:20-21
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Note: Matthew records eight Beatitudes or “blessed are you…” statements in his Gospel, whereas Luke concentrates on four Beatitudes and then follows them with photographic negatives - the four woes. Today’s meditation covers Jesus’ first three “blessed” statements as recorded by Luke.
Read Luke 6:20-21 slowly and thoughtfully taking note of anything that stands out to you.
The Kingdom of Heaven is the realm in which God’s perfect will and way reigns supreme. In God’s Kingdom everything operates the way God originally intended before human rebellion distorted that which was good. God’s Kingdom is the shalom state of being where love rules, broken people are made whole, and everyone has enough.
Take a moment to become still and centered on Jesus. For today’s time of meditation, take each of Jesus’ first three “Blessed are you…” statements one by one and dive a little deeper.
“God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.”
The Greek word for “poor” in this passage conveys a more complex idea than a simple a lack of material resources. “Ptóchos” is a state of total destitution and an acute awareness of a one’s inability to provide for oneself. It is the kind of poverty that results in absolute desperation. Take a moment to consider how desperate you feel for God. Share this with Jesus and then listen to him.
“God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied.”
The Greek word for hunger, “peinaó,” carries the idea of a deep neediness and an intense longing to be satisfied. How hungry are you for the presence and power of Jesus? Talk honestly with Jesus about this and then take time to listen to him.
“God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.”
The kind of weeping Jesus refers to here is not a quiet shedding of tears. It is a loud and guttural sobbing that comes from the depths of a person’s soul. Sit with this image for a moment and see if it brings any memories to mind. Let your thoughts become a starting point for a conversation with Jesus. Be sure to listen as much as you speak.
What is Jesus saying to you through these Beatitudes today?
What do you plan to do in response?
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