"For all the saints who from their labors rest..."
Matthew 5:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The Beatitudes
5 When Jesus[a] saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely[b] on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
1. Many times this is preached as a list of what we must do. Actually, its a catalog of God's gifts to the Church, the Communion of Saints.
2. At times of severe pain or sorrow--latch on to what God has done to preserve His elect.
3. Saint=Holy One---by Christ's blood which rescues and restores with His righteousness.. Preserves us too, thru His Word.
4. Christ endured the cross for the delight and the joy in the fatherheart of God. What?
Hebrews 12:2-3
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God
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5. We harken back to the beauty of Eden. Its got nothing on what awaits the Saints. No sin, death, or hunger; think bigger--the vision of Christ:
"But, lo, the breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of Glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!"
BTW, the scene above is eternal.
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