I love reading and studying the Bible. We have several translations, and study tools which help, with the aid of the Holy Spirit our understanding of God’s Word. They also draws us deeper in our relationship with God. One of those translations is The Message by Eugene Peterson. This morning I read Matthew the fifth chapter where Jesus shared the Beatitudes with his disciples. After reading The Message, I had one of those epiphanies. You know the ones that comes to reassure, comfort and bring light. After reading the passage, my spirit peacefully lingered on its meaning; I am blessed. No matter what I am blessed, and can make it through. I am blessed despite the loss of loved ones. I’m blessed going in, and going out. I am blessed because God loves me. I am blessed. I am blessed.
Here is the passage.
Matthew Chapter 5: 1-12 The Message
3 “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4 “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.
6 “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.
7 “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.
8 “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9 “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
10 “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.
11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble. (The Message)
These words and its meaning are so clear. I know most Christians are familiar with The King James Version (KJV). I grow up reading it as well. However, when I became acquainted with The Message I found it to be particularly helpful, especially when I’ve used it in teaching and in my personal study time. It has enhanced my understanding of the Bible along with the aid of the Holy Spirit.
Today, I was reminded of this simple, yet powerful truth that I am blessed. And as soon as I embraced that fact, I knew I had to share it. I sensed someone needed to be reminded as I did, that our awesome God wants us to know without a shadow of doubt how incredibly blessed we are.
So if you are feeling troubled, may these words remind you that no matter what happens you are blessed.
The Message by Eugene Peterson
Loving God with Excellence 