Laz,This has been an interesting discussion. It made me think of the Sermon on the Mount and Ryle's exposition of it.
Here is an excerpt.
Quote
Every word of the Lord Jesus ought to be most precious to professing Christians. It is the voice of the Chief Shepherd; it is the charge of the great Bishop and Head of the Church; it is the Master speaking; it is the word of Him who "spake as never man spake," and by whom we shall be judged at the last day.
Would we know what kind of people Christians ought to be? Would we know the character at which Christians ought to aim? Would we know the outward walk and inward habit of mind which become a follower of Christ? Then let us often study the Sermon on the Mount. Let us often ponder each sentence, and prove ourselves by it. Not least, let us often consider who they are that are called "blessed" at the beginning of the Sermon. Those whom the great High Priest blesses are blessed indeed!
The Lord Jesus calls those "blessed" who are poor in spirit. He means the humble, and lowly-minded, and self-abased; He means those who are deeply convinced of their own sinfulness in God's sight: these are they who are not "wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight." They are not "rich and increased with goods;" they do not fancy they "need nothing;" they regard themselves as "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked". Blessed are all such! Humility is the very first letter in the alphabet of Christianity. We must begin low, if we would build high. ( Isaiah 5:21; Revelation 3:17)
The Lord Jesus calls these "blessed" who mourn. He means those who sorrow for sin, and grieve daily over their own short-comings. These are they who trouble themselves most about sin then about anything on earth; the remembrance of it is grievous to them; the burden of it is intolerable. Blessed are all such! "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit" and a contrite heart. ( Psalm 51:17.) One day they shall weep no more: "they shall be comforted".
The Lord Jesus calls those "blessed" who are meek. He means those who are of a patient and contented spirit. They are willing to put up with little honour here below; they can bear injuries without resentment: they are not ready to take offence. Like Lazarus in the parable, they are content to wait for their good things. Blessed are all such! They are never losers in the long run. One day they shall "reign on the earth." ( Revelation 5:10.)
The Lord Jesus calls those "blessed" who hunger and thirst after righteousness. He means those who desire above all things to be entirely conformed to the mind of God. They long not so much to be rich, or wealthy, or learned, as to be holy. Blessed are all such! They shall have enough one day. They shall "awake up after God's likeness and be satisfied." ( Psalm 17:15.)
