10 is an important number in God’s word. In the first chapter of Genesis we find the phrase “God said” 10 times, which is a testimony of His creative power over our whole world. God gave the 10 Commandments to Moses and it might be said that ten could represent the completeness of God’s work on a given task. The Passover lamb was selected on the 10th day of the 1st month (Exodus 12:3), as was Jesus, the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world (John 12:28 – 29; 1Corinthians 5:7). The 10th day of the 7th month is the Holy Day known as the Day of Atonement. This unique day of fasting pictures the removal of Satan, the author of sin, before the reign of Jesus begins (Revelation 20:1 – 2). The last great world-ruling kingdom of man under Satan is symbolized prophetically by the 10 horns of Revelation 13 and 17, and there are other instances of 10 in the Bible, but have you ever considered 10 beatitudes? Matthew uses them like this.
Blessed are…
…the Poor in Spirit, to possess the Kingdom of Christ, 5:3
…those that Mourn, to receive the comfort of Christ, 5:4
…the Meek, to inherit creation in Christ, 5:5
…the Hungry & Thirsting, to be filled with Christ’s righteousness, 5:6
…the Merciful, to be forgiven by Christ, 5:7
…the Pure in Heart, to fully know God in Christ, 5:8
…the Peacemakers, to be known by others as God’s child in Christ, 5:9
…the Persecuted & Mocked for Christ, to prove our discipleship, 5:10-11
…those not Offended at Christ, to persevere with Him through trials, 11:6
…the Alert & Faithful ‘doers’, to have Christ’s Reign Now, 24:46-47
Have you ever been called a “Do-gooder”? If the good you are doing is for Christ or the message of Christ, then to be Blessed is to experience a happiness that is always accessible in prayer & never fades with time, it is a joy that exceeds laughter by a mile, yet seats itself deep in our heart to be fed and seldom seen by the world but can always be felt by the Christian & Christ’s Spirit. The fruit of God’s Spirit in the Christian is “Love, Joy…” & much more (Galatians 5:22) Let it grow and share it with anyone outside of Christ. Blessed was Paul & Silas, chained in a jail cell, singing! (Acts 16:25) When we are tempted & tried, do we pray and sing? Where is our ‘BE ATTITUDE’?
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life. This blessing came not because he was tempted, but because he endured, [Revelation 2:10]. This is the crown of victory for those who have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith, [2.Timothy 4:6-8]. With the help of God we are able to endure temptation [1.Corinthians 10:13]. As we run the race of life we have in Jesus, our great High Priest, our example. He was tempted as we are, yet without sin and in confidence we can receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need, [Hebrews 4:14-16].
On secular college campuses around the globe, students are bombarded with anti-God sentiment. In the workplace, intolerance for Christian ideals has become more obvious recently and when we use strength to stand up for a Godly principle, we reap a backlash.
Jesus warned His disciples, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:17) Peter also wrote his letter to Christians who would endure fiery trials and persecutions. But his message was “Be Hopeful!” For the believer, it is a living hope – the foundation is the Word of God, and the One who has secured it is the living Son of God who rose from the dead. Living hope is one that has life in it and therefore can give life to us. Because it has life, it grows and becomes greater and more beautiful as time goes on. Time destroys most hopes; they fade and then die. But the passing of time only makes a Christian’s hope that much more glorious.”
Don’t be a compromising Christian. God’s promises never fail; His grace will keep you when the going gets tough. Rely on Him. Be a strong witness for Christ in a world that needs your prayers. To be blessed is a great gift to experience, don’t just read about it, try to live it and love God by obeying Jesus.
Epaggelia 