Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are
those who mourn; they shall be comforted. Fortunate are the gentle; they shall possess the
land. Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.

Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy. Fortunate are those with pure hearts,
for they shall see God. Fortunate are those who work for peace; they shall be called children
of God. Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of righteousness, for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven. Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak
all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers. Be glad and joyful, for a great reward
is kept for you in God.

READ: Zephaniah promises the exiles of Israel that they will again find peace and contentment
because of the Lord’s faithfulness. Paul reminds his readers that God does not choose only the
wise and the powerful. Instead, he chooses the weak and the poor, giving them strength and
wisdom in Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus begins his Sermon on the Mount by teaching that those
considered less fortunate in the eyes of the world will be blessed immeasurably by God.

REFLECT: Our God is a God of surprises. Time and again Scripture makes it clear that God
judges by standards very different than those of the world. As the prophet Isaiah taught, God’s
ways are not our ways. In our celebrity-driven culture, people seek fame, wealth, and power.
People strive for and celebrate momentary notoriety as viral sensations. Those who fail to meet
the world’s standards are ignored, despised, or blamed for their situations. But Jesus teaches a
different way. He raises up those who are humble, poor, in mourning, and persecuted, promising
that they will find joy in God.

PRAY: Loving God, please help me to see the world and its people through your eyes.

ACT: Log off of social media for one day and use the time for prayer or service.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023