'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — September 10

‘Blessed are the poor in spirit' (Matt. 5:3). Christ does not begin his sermon with commands and threatenings, but his lips dropped as the honeycomb with promises and blessings. His heavenly doctrine was sweet like the sound of music drawing the hearts of stone to him. He began, 'Blessed'. The fullness of our blessings lie in the future. There are many difficulties in the way of faith. A believer's march is dangerous, and our hearts are liable to be discouraged. It is good to set the crown of blessedness before them to spark their courage and to inflame their zeal. Many passages of Scripture bring this olive branch in their mouth—the tidings of blessedness to believers. 'Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes' (Matt. 24:46). 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father' (Matt. 25:34). This blessedness sharpens Christian discipline, and raises spiritual ambition. The fullness of our blessedness is in our heavenly rest. Revolve this often in your mind, and meditate upon it. What infinite cause you have to be thankful that the lot of free grace has fallen upon you! Though you forfeited all, God has provided a haven of happiness, and he is carrying you to heaven upon the sea of Christ's blood, the gale of his Spirit blowing upon your sails. You are better now than when you had the robes of innocence upon you. God has raised you a step higher by your fall. How many has God passed by, and then looked upon you! Millions lie under the bitter vials of God's curses, but you he will bring into his banqueting house and feast you eternally with the delicacies of heaven. O adore free grace, triumph in this love! Spend and be spent for the Lord. Lay out yourselves in thankfulness. Never think you can do enough for that God who will shortly set you ashore in the land of promise.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Watson, The Beatitudes, pp. 24, 31, 33
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