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The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 1st February 2023 is “Blessing in the Tears”
Bible in a Year: Exodus 27–28; Matthew 21:1–22
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn.
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Matthew 5:1–12
Matthew records five major sections of Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5–7; 10; 13; 18; 24–25). Matthew 5–7 is known as the Sermon on the Mount because Jesus taught it when he was “on a mountainside” (5:1) in Galilee (4:23). In this sermon, Christ teaches what it takes to be His disciple. First, He describes the character (5:3–12) and then the conduct (5:13–7:29) of a believer in Jesus.
Matthew 5:3–12 is known as the Beatitudes, so named because the Latin word for “blessed” or “happy” is beatus. One author calls them the “Beautiful Attitudes.” Each of the eight beatitudes opens with the word blessed (makarios), which is translated “happy” in some versions. But makarios has the basic meaning of “being approved by God” or “receiving God’s favor.” Those who’ve received God’s approval and favor are indeed blessed and have cause to be contented and joyful.
Click Here to Read the Previous ODB Devotional
ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
I received an email from a young man in England, a son who explained that his father (only sixty-three) was in the hospital in critical condition, hanging on to life. Though we’d never met, his dad’s work and mine shared many intersections. The son, trying to cheer his father, asked me to send a video message of encouragement and prayer. Deeply moved, I recorded a short message and a prayer for healing. I was told that his dad watched the video and gave a hearty thumbs-up. Sadly, a couple days later, I received another email telling me that he had died. He held his wife’s hand as he took his final breath.
OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2023
My heart broke. Such love, such devastation. The family lost a husband and father far too soon. Yet it’s surprising to hear Jesus insist that it’s precisely these grieving ones who are blessed: “Blessed are those who mourn,” Jesus says (Matthew 5:4). Jesus isn’t saying suffering and sorrow are good, but rather that God’s mercy and kindness pour over those who need it most. Those overcome by grief due to death or even their own sinfulness are most in need of God’s attention and consolation—and Jesus promises us “they will be comforted” (v. 4).
God steps toward us, His loved children (v. 9). He blesses us in our tears.
KENNETH COPELAND DEVOTIONAL 1ST FEBRUARY 2023
Reflect & Pray
What places do you encounter sorrow in your story and in others’ stories? How does Jesus’ promise of blessing alter how you view this grief?
Dear God, when I’m awash in grief and sorrow, please help me to experience Your blessing even in the tears.
Our Daily Bread 2023 Devotional is written by Winn Collier and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries. Read more
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