The Blessed Mount

Matthew 5:1-10 NKJV

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. [2] Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: [3] "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for 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 sons of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Mount of Beatitudes is more of a hill than a mountain, as it slopes gently down to the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee).

If you've ever visited this place, you'll be captivated by the serenity of the view - with the sun-lit water sparkling in the distant vista.

It was on this mount that, tradition tells, Jesus gave His Sermon of the "beautiful attitudes" so full of wonderful paradoxes.

We've read these words so often that somehow we've become immune to the impact of His Promises.

The very things that the world shuns, the Kingdom of Heaven values.

Somehow we've come to believe that aggression, retribution and a thirst for fame and success will get you to the top in this world.

Jesus' Kingdom is the very opposite.

Being poor in spirit, meek, peaceful and patient under persecution are attributes that the Lord values above all else.

He loves the merciful and the peacemakers and, to each of these blessed attitudes, He attaches an unbreakable promise of rewards in Heaven and on earth.

For a renewed perspective, here are His Words from the Passion translation:

Matthew 5:1-10 TPT

One day Jesus saw a vast crowd of people gathering to hear Him, so He went up the slope of a hill and sat down. With His followers and disciples spread over the hillside, [2] Jesus began to teach them: [3] "What wealth is offered to you when you feel your spiritual poverty! For there is no charge to enter the realm of Heaven's Kingdom. [4] "What delight comes to you when you wait upon the Lord! For you will find what you long for. [5] "What blessing comes to you when gentleness lives in you! For you will inherit the earth. [6] "How enriched you are when you crave righteousness! For you will be surrounded with fruitfulness. [7] "How satisfied you are when you demonstrate tender mercy! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you. [8] "What bliss you experience when your heart is pure! For then your eyes will open to see more and more of God. [9] "How blessed you are when you make peace! For then you will be recognised as a true child of God. [10] "How enriched you are when you bear the wounds of being persecuted for doing what is right! For that is when you experience the realm of Heaven's Kingdom.

Selah