The Beatitudes, which begin Jesus' sermon on the mount, comprising chapters 5-7 of Matthew's gospel, are not intended to describe the world as it is, but to provide glimpses of the world that God seeks to create. The word "blessed," from the Greek translation, is best understood as being the recipient of an unexpected benefit. The gentle, the pure in heart, the peacemakers; all of these persons who are out of place in the kingdoms of this world, will, unexpectedly, be first in God's Kingdom.
God's dream is that God's reign will be revealed on earth, as it is in heaven. This vision is epitomized in the image in Revelation of the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, joining God's heaven with earth. In this new reality, all of values and principals of the kingdoms of this world will be inverted, and there will be nothing but joy and peace. God has, in Christ, initiated the new covenant community, the Church, to evidence and bring God's vision to pass.
Supporting the work and mission of Caney Spring United Methodist Church and Berlin United Methodist Church, two churches partnered in the ministry of making disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world, located in Marshall County, Tennessee.
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