The Beatitudes spoken by Christ in his message on the mountain are radically transformative. It is the Spirit of God and the Word of God that have the capability to change us in such a revolutionary way. These eight nature-altering concepts are intimately interconnected in several ways. Even though they may be looked at sequentially, we cannot just “work on one at a time.” They must all be lived simultaneously as well. “Hungering and thirsting after righteousness” is at the center of this teaching and it seems to form a watershed for the others. The three concepts leading up to it are qualities of character that Christ produces in us. The three which follow are qualities which we are to display to the world. The eighth summarizes them all. Furthermore, the reference to those who are poor in spirit corresponds to those who are merciful (objects of mercy tend to show mercy). Those who mourn are those who see God*. And the meek are those who respond as the peacemakers.
*One of the greatest utterances in all of Scripture is “the pure in heart shall see God.” True repentance – godly sorrow in those who mourn over their bankrupt spiritual condition – produces within us the capacity for real holiness, without which God cannot be seen. We then live with the continual awareness of God’s presence and preservation as He fulfills His purposes in our lives.
“You make known to me the path of life; you fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)