Devotionals

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BLESSED IS THE PERSON


“Blessed is the man (person) who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or seat in the seat of scorners. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he mediates day and night” (Psa. 1:1-2). The terms walk, stand, and sit are progressive, suggesting a process. By way of contrast, delight and meditates likewise imply a work in progress.
I recall meeting two unfamiliar boys on the side walk. One of them motioned with his hand behind his back, along with the observation: “God is there.” He then waved his hand before him, while adding: “And God is here.” At which, a broad smile graced his face.
“You mean that God is everywhere,” I allowed. At which, he heartily agreed. We apparently both felt blessed, as we continued on our separate ways. As on a previous occasion, I will draw from the quotations in William Sykes’ The Eternal Vision to reflect further on the notion of blessedness.
Apt quotations from Scripture:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26).
“And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work” (1 Cor. 9:8).
Apt additional quotations and succinct commentary:
“Blessed is he who has found his work; let him ask no other blessedness” (Thomas Carlyle, Past and Present). As an alternative to work, I prefer the notion of calling. Consequently, to serve in a manner pleasing to God. Thus to make the most of one’s potential.
One “can do without Happiness, and instead find Blessedness” (Thomas Carlyle, Sartor Resartus). As for the former, it is fleeting at best. As for the latter, it persists in the midst of adverse circumstances. While along with the prospect that the best is yet to come.
“But blessedness comes to the man who, in spite of failures and failings, still clutches to him the passionate love of the highest” (William Barclay, The Gospel of Matthew). In other words, one should strive for excellence. Then, even when falling short, more is accomplished.
“The soul of man can by recognizing God draw Him into its narrow boundaries, but also by love to Him itself expand into the Infinite—and this is blessedness on earth” (John Burchardt, The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy). Recognition of God provides the first step toward genuine blessedness. In this regard, let God be God. Love then fine-tunes the relationship.
“There is nothing that is a greater blessing in a community than a man who is known to be an honest, truth-speaking man, and who is kind and genial and cheerful everywhere and at all times” (Henry Ward Beecher, Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit). If lacking in any regard, the composite falls tragically short of the ideal. As when a person insists on speaking the truth, but in a demeaning or vengeful fashion.
“Blessings, we enjoy daily. And for most of them, because they be so common, most forget to pay their praises: but let not us; because it is a sacrifice so pleasing to Him that made the sun and us, and still protects us, and gives us flowers, and showers, and stomachs, and meat, and content, and leisure” (Izaak Walton, The Complete Angler). Qualifications aside, life is good, and meant to be enjoyed as such. Providing, that is, it is lived according to God’s guidelines. Otherwise, it tends to unravel, and becomes chaotic. Life is also good in its particulars: a refreshing breeze, an enjoyable lunch, an engaging sunset, the availability of a true friend, and so on.
“God’s blessings steal into life noiselessly. They are neither self-proclaiming nor even self-announcing” (Henry War Beecher, Proverbs from Plymouth Pulpit). So that we are encouraged to cultivate an awareness of them. Lest in failing to do so, we become unappreciative and thoughtlessly indulgent.
“All the great works and wonders that God has ever wrought or shall ever work in or through the creatures, or even God Himself with all His goodness, so are as these things exist or are done outside of me, can never make me blessed, but only in so far as they exist and are done and lived, known, tasted and felt within me” (Theologia Germanica). While blessed objectively, it remains to recognize the blessing and respond in an appropriate manner.
“The first Beatitude is very properly first. ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit.’ This means: Blessed is he who knows that he is not wise and good and strong enough to make himself good, and who therefore relies wholly upon God to give him that positive righteousness which alone is sufficient. The man in Christ is not distinguished by the absence of evil in him, but by the dominant and overmastering presence in him of the good which comes from God” (Carroll E. Simeon, The Promises of God). Such as constitutes amazing grace, resulting in good works.
“If we do our best; if we do not magnify trifling troubles; if we look resolutely, I do not say at the bright side of things, but at things as they really are; if we avail ourselves of the manifold blessings which surround us; we cannot but feel that life is indeed a glorious inheritance” (Sir John Lubbock, The Pleasures of Life). Accent the positive, in keeping with confidence in God’s redemptive agenda.
“Magnificent weather. The morning seems bathed in happy peace, and a heavenly fragrance rises from mountain and shore; it is as though a benediction were laid upon us. All the miseries, the cares, the vexations of life, are forgotten, the universal joy absorbs us: we enter into the divine order, and into the blessedness of the Lord” (Henri Frederic Amiel, Amiel’s Journal). So we are encouraged as we face the prospect of a new day. While in anticipation of change, cognizant of God’s continuing availability to negotiate life creatively.
All thing considered, it bears repeating: “Blessed is the man who whose delight is in the law of the Lord.” Thus are we assured that the righteous are truly blessed, both in this life and with prospect for eternity. So are we reminded that persons are less driven by the past than drawn by the future.

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