Beatitudes of Hope

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

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BEATITUDES FOR JUSTICE SEEKERS

Adapted from The New Daily Study Bible by William Barclay

Hope for those who have realized their own utter helplessness,
and who have put their whole trust in God. 
For thus alone can they rend to God such a willing heart
which will make them citizens of the Realm of Heaven.

Hope for those whose hearts are broken
for the world’s suffering and for their own weaknesses. 
For out of their despair, they will find the God of Hope. 

Hope for those who are always angry at the right time
and for the right reason, and never angry at the wrong time
and for the wrong reason, and who have every instinct,
impulse and passion under control,
sitting at the feet of the Savior in humility,
realizing their own ignorance and weakness.
For such people can, indeed, heal the world.

Hope for those who are hollowed out, longing for what is true,
and parched, dried-out and desperate for a drop of justice.
For they will eat and drink their fill. 

Hope for those who sit at the table of those most in need
and share their bread and share their wine,
and see their pain, and hear their stories,
and feel what they feel.
For those who live in such a way welcome Jesus to the table!

Hope for those whose motives are absolutely pure. 
For they always see God everywhere they go. 

Hope for those who destroy idols and build bridges. 
For they are the architects of God. 

Hope for those who, though they may be blocked, ridiculed, killed, or
maimed, take a message of hope to the sick, the poor,
the imprisoned and the forgotten.
For whatever hope you gave them vindicates
a Cloud of Witnesses in the Heavenly Realm.

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DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all hope flows.
Let us sing together, from heaven high to earth below.
May our hope remain for evermore;
Praise the God of Hope whom we adore. 

Amen