Matthew 5:12a ESV Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

NOTE: The following devotional is transcribed from THE APPLAUSE OF HEAVEN, Sept. 26, Morning, by Max Lucado (a favorite, encouraging Christian author).

In the sermon on the mount, … what Jesus promises is not a gimmick to give you goose bumps nor a mental attitude that has to be pumped up at pep rallies. No, Matthew 5 describes God’s radical reconstruction of the heart.

Observe the sequence.

1. First, we recognize we are in need (we’re poor in spirit).
2. Next, we repent of our self-sufficiency (we mourn).
3. We quit calling the shots and surrender control to God (we’re meek).
4. So grateful are we for his presence that we yearn for more of him (we hunger & thirst).
5. As we grow closer to him, we become more like him. We forgive others. (we’re merciful).
6. We change our outlook (we’re pure in heart).
7. We love others (we’re peacemakers).
8. We endure injustice (we’re persecuted).

It’s no casual shift of attitude. It is a demolition of the old structure and a creation of the new. The more radical the change, the greater the joy. And it’s worth every effort, for this is the joy of God.

[As I stated, this timely devotional was written by Max Ludaco.]

Do not be discouraged, beloved believer, if you have just come to Christ or have reached only an early step in your growth in the Lord. We are a “CHRISTIAN UNDER RE-CONSTRUCTION.”

Rejoice, and be glad.

For further study of the Beatitudes from Matthew 5, visit the series from our earlier posts.