who's "blessed"?

Who is blessed by God?

I think it's not who I think we think, from our prissy, precious, white, middle class, quasi-evangelical perspective.

This is what Jesus Himself had to say about it.

This is from the opening verses of what has become known as The Sermon on the Mount.

The sermon on the Mount covers Matthew 5, 6, & 7.

It is one of the seminal proclamations of Jesus.

Much of it left people scratching their heads.

It still does that.

Read this slowly – there's way to much to absorb in a quick read...

Matthew 5

3 "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,

  for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

4 God blesses those who mourn,

  for they will be comforted.

5 God blesses those who are humble,

  for they will inherit the whole earth.

6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,

  for they will be satisfied.

7 God blesses those who are merciful,

  for they will be shown mercy.

8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,

  for they will see God.

9 God blesses those who work for peace,

  for they will be called the children of God.

10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,

  for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

  11 "God blesses you when people mock you

and persecute you

and lie about you

and say all sorts of evil things against you

because you are my followers.

12 Be happy about it!

Be very glad!

For a great reward awaits you in heaven.

And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.