5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

        Jesus continues the beatitudes, the blessings of the kingdom. Scholars debate what is actually meant by the “kingdom of heaven.” Does it refer to the Spirit-rule of God on earth now, what some might call the “Church age,” in contrast with the age of Mosaic Law? Or does it refer to the future millennial kingdom depicted in Revelation 20, the thousand year reign of Christ? What is the difference between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God? Such questions involve great systems of doctrine, so-called Covenant Theology versus Dispensational Theology. Are these debates really important?

        Jesus placed great importance on this teaching, so we need to understand to whom it applies. Clearly He expected His followers to emulate this teaching. His message was all about, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (5:17). While we believe the kingdom is yet future, because of Israel’s rejection of their Messiah three years later (in line with Dispensational Theology), part of the preparation for that coming kingdom is to begin behaving in the kingdom sort of way now. So for all intents and purposes it is immaterial whether the kingdom of heaven is present or future; this is how we should now live.

        The next four beatitudes have to do with those who are gentle (“meek” NIV, NKJV), those who desire righteousness, those who are merciful and those who are pure in heart—all challenges to the heart for those who desire to live for God. Meekness, as someone has defined, is “strength under control.” It involves deferring to others when we could assert ourselves. This is difficult when confronted with those whose goal in life is to gather stuff for themselves at the expense of others. The natural mind demands social justice; we should force the rich to distribute wealth to the poor. Yet God’s economy, often counter-intuitive, will eventually vindicate those who choose His meekness.

        Righteousness will be hugely satisfying to those who yearn for it. Mercy is its own reward when the focus is on giving it rather than on receiving it. The pure in heart, who see with simple integrity, will find immense joy in seeing God in all His purity. That is what the preparation for the kingdom of heaven is all about. We do now what we will experience fully then.

Lord, because I know what the future holds, I desire to live Your way now. Help me walk by faith, because the world presses me to walk by sight.