The Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-11

"Blessed are the poor in spirit(the humble who rate themselves insignificant) for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
Blessed and enviably happy are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!
Blessed are the meek(the mild,patient,long-suffering) for they shall inherit the earth!
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be completely satisfied!
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!
Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God!
Blessed are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called sons of God!
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake(for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account." Matthew 5:3-11

The book I have been currently reading, "The Jesus I never Knew" by Phillip Yancey , spends a great deal of time in this portion of scripture. He really shed a whole new light on these scriptures for me and I have really been enjoying the depth I am getting out of it all. These are some of my thoughts on them so far and I am sure there will be more to come.
To me the Beatitudes are like Jesus mission statement. Stay with me here, although He doesn't say in here what He has come to earth to do which would be like a mission statement(what we are here for, what we will do, our plans, goals etc.) He in a sense turns upside down the system of this world in these words and presents a challenge to all humanity. Across the span of time, 2000 years + these words challenge us all to the core because at the core these words are selfless. He is saying if you want to know who I am , what I think is important, what I value, then spend some time with these concepts. They are uncomfortable for us to think about. Mourners, Poor, Weak- these are not words that are desirable. Certainly not desirable words in America. We want to see Shiny Happy People all the time. Just take a look at what gets coverage in the media, Shiny Happy People. Reminds me again of the time when Princess Dianna died and shortly after so did Mother Theresa, whose funeral got more attention? Whose life got more air time?
These words make me fall in love with Jesus all over again. What a beautiful thing to see the beauty and value in someone who would otherwise go unnoticed. The poor are to be pitied in our society but Jesus doesn't think so. He is saying to me that they are the ones who understand or who have it, the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Poor people- those who depend on others to get by, who roam the streets looking for a cozy bench to sleep on or a trash can that might have some pretty good leftovers- Theirs is the kingdom of heaven!! Piece by piece Jesus dismantles the systems and worldviews that I have become accustomed to and He makes me believe in a simpler, more pure way of living. I want what these words hold within them. The value and treasure of My King are in these words and I want to understand them, desperately I do.