Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:1-10)
A big part of kingdom living is anticipation. We are blessed as we display the characteristics of the kingdom: spiritually humble - mourning spiritually - meek … etc. But the blessings are not promised in the present. They may come in the present, but we are to anticipate being spiritually comforted and shown mercy … including inheriting the earth, and seeing God.
At the heart of the Christian life is the dynamic of “already” and “not yet”. We already have blessing, but the heart of the blessing of the kingdom is promised for the future … we will be all that God promises. We already have a deposit, eventually we will have all that is promised.
Action: Pray through these beatitudes - thanking God for the blessings in anticipation of the fulfillment of all the promises.