Hey y’all! There’s so much going on in the world, and despite the challenges, I want this space to remain a beacon of hope. The Word of God reminds us:
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 ESV
Before we dive into today’s topic, let’s take a moment to breathe. Inhale for three seconds… and exhale for three seconds. Repeat as needed. Sigh… doesn’t that feel better?
In this season, I think the most important things we can hold onto are God and community. Thank you so much for being a part of the Wrenhowsway Community. ❤️
Now, let’s jump into today’s topic: the Beatitudes. This week, I spent time reflecting on the first and last Beatitudes. As I read through these scriptures, I couldn’t help but ask myself questions—why did Jesus present them in this particular order? He’s an intentional God, so I know there’s a purpose behind it.
Let’s look at the first Beatitude:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3 ESV
And the last:
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12 ESV
How we begin and end things is essential, and this holds true even in scripture. Jesus intentionally starts with “poor in spirit” and ends with “persecuted.”
The first Beatitude calls us to be poor in spirit, meaning to be aware of our constant dependence on God. Without this reliance, we risk becoming prideful, trying to navigate life independently of God’s rule. To remain “poor in spirit” is to stay connected to God, acknowledging His sovereignty in every aspect of life. Honestly, this reliance on Jesus is the only thing carrying me through this season. How about you—are you leaning on Him right now?
The last Beatitude reminds us that when we’re persecuted or lied about because of Jesus, we’re blessed. It’s a hard truth, but one that brings hope—Jesus sees us, values us, and promises a great reward in heaven for enduring such trials.
As we reflect on these verses, let’s remember that Jesus cares deeply for us. His words remind us of His love and intentionality.
Let’s continue to rely on Him, stay connected to our community, and let our light shine.