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The Beatitudes

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 2, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 5.

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The Beatitudes

By Sarah M. Saunders

SARAH M. SAUNDERS
WHEN the Son of God left the bosom of his Father, and came to earth to make known his Father's will toward fallen man, he lost no opportunity of doing and speaking good. In the beginning of his ministry, he selected twelve men from among those who occupied humble walks and vocations in life.
Often it became necessary for Jesus to take his disciples apart from the multitude, and instruct and comfort them. In his memorable sermon on the mount, where he made known to his disciples the blessedness of their calling, we learn many things which should encourage and cheer us on our pilgrimage. At this time Jesus pronounced blessings upon those who sought the ways of life. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” he said; “blessed are they that mourn;” “blessed are the meek;” “blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness;” “blessed are the merciful;” “blessed are the pure in heart;” “blessed are the peacemakers.” For each of the characters here represented, there is a blessing pronounced,—a satisfying of their desires, a fulfilling of their highest happiness and aspirations.
Reading a little farther in the sacred narrative, we find another comforting assurance for the people of God: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” Matt. 5:11. The Saviour himself was persecuted, falsely accused, and reviled by those who themselves believed they were doing God's service. After he had accomplished the work for which he was sent, and had been buffeted, scourged, spit upon, and condemned to an ignominious death, some of those who had been his most intimate friends deserted him, and even denied any knowledge of him; yet he possessed within himself the blessed assurance of his Father's approval and recognition. While he was thus reviled, he “reviled not again,” but lifted his eyes toward heaven, and pleaded with his Father in behalf of his persecutors, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” In this we have a blessed example of the spirit we should manifest.
Battle Creek, Mich.