Who Are 'The Blessed'? Just in case we need a reminder

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. 

His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them, saying:

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 after righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons 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.

Matt. 5:1-12

The way we look at life is oft distorted; mortal sight

Distracts us from the fundament of mercy’s guiding Light

The answers we desire He has promised in wise ways

Beyond temp’ral assurances that satisfy our gaze

The footwork of an hour forges ways before untrod

But each path merges in the end where it began, with God

And what unravels day to day, where tears and laughter flow

Is never far away from the kind grace whereby we go

Not up to us to understand, but simply this, to trust

God cups in caring, nail-scarred hands this transitory dust

His perfect will is faithful still, when hope and help seems dim

His Ultimate desire that we learn to lean on Him

He knows this blip of fellowship with living's highs and lows 

Will soon sweep these bone cages into death's ageless repose

Thus, He so loved us that He gave His Son, the settlement

To save us from the wrath to come when this earth-sum is spent

The One who wept great drops of blood is not here to pour tea

The heart of His Compassion rests beneath the skin we see

For as He breathed upon the dust Man Became Living Soul

And it is His will that not one should perish in Sheol

For oh, He is the Potter, we like clay upon the wheel

Redemption’s Living Water softens hearts as hard as steel

There is no best or worst of us; God loves us all the same

And leads us through the places that teach us to trust His Name

© Janet Martin

 Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
    We are the clay, you are the potter;
    we are all the work of your hand.

Isa.64:8

Has not my hand made all these things,
    and so they came into being?”
declares the Lord.

“These are the ones I look on with favor:
    those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
    and who tremble at my word.

Isa.66:2