Matthew and Luke both tell us the story of a time when Jesus was surrounded by his disciples and others on a hillside, and he taught them so many things about the kingdom of God.  Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of Matthew’s gospel are the record of this “Sermon on the Mount.”

Jesus started this most famous sermon with verses 3-12; what we have come to know as “The Beatitudes.”  In many English translations these important sayings about life begin with the words “Blessed are …”   While this is an accurate rendering of the words that Jesus used, another credible way of translating these sayings to English would yield “Happy are …”

Rev. Robert Schuller, of Crystal Cathedral fame, wrote a book on these verses which he titled The Be-Happy Attitudes. I like reading these sayings of Jesus with the thought of “being happy.”   Maybe God’s intended happiness can wash over us again and again as we live our lives with the “be-happy attitudes.”

Happy are those who know and acknowledge their spiritual poverty, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Happy are those who mourn over their need for God, for they will be comforted.

Happy are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Happy are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Happy are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

I’m happy to be a follower of Jesus.

Prayer

God of joy and love, help me to be happy as I study and follow your word in my daily life.  In Jesus’ precious name I pray.  Amen.