God Had a Plan Thoughts on Being First The Beatitudes

On Being First, the Beatitudes

Have you ever read the beatitudes (which may be found in the fifth chapter of Matthew) with a “first… then…” perspective? What I mean by that, for example, is to read, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” like this, “First, be poor in spirit, then the kingdom of heaven will be yours.”

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” becomes something like, “First comes mourning, but then you shall be comforted.”

“Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth,” becomes “First be gentle, then you shall inherit the earth.”

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied,” becomes “First hunger and thirst for righteousness, then you shall be satisfied.”

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy,” becomes, “First be merciful, then you shall receive mercy.”

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” becomes, “First be pure in heart, then you shall see God.”

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” becomes, “First be a peacemaker, then you shall be called a son of God.”

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” becomes, “First comes persecution, then the kingdom of heaven is yours.”

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you,” becomes, “First comes persecution, then comes rejoicing because you have great reward in heaven.”

Be blessed today as you keep the Lord first in everything!

Job 42:1-2 Then Job answered the LORD and said, "I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

[ALL SCRIPTURES NASB]
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