Blessed

In a recent post, Double Vision, we recognized that our understanding and opinion is primarily molded by the things that we experience and see with the natural eye.  We decided to call it your earthly vision.  We then identified that the result of spending time in the word, initiates the development of a different vision (a different opinion).  Specifically, you begin to understand things not according to what the world claims to be true, but according to the word of God (gain spiritual vision). The two opinions are frequently found to be polar opposites.  

Perhaps this can better explain, I’ve noticed that socially, a common word presently used is Blessed.  I’ve encountered sweatshirts and t-shirts with large "Blessed" print labels at our local department store.  Most frequent however, is it used as hashtags on social media, labeling possessions, clothing, desirable destinations, status, etc.  Because Blessed is continuously used to label such things, in your understanding, you formulate the belief that to be Blessed is to be able to acquire and achieve of all those things.

Time spent in the word however, can also formulate your understanding of the word Blessed.  Mary, mother of Jesus, was first greeted by the angel Gabriel with:

…thou art highly favoured…blessed are you among women. (Luke 1:28 NKJV)
 
In the same chapter, Mary explains why she has been called Blessed:

For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed. (vs. 48)
 
Further, Mary affirms:

...he has scattered the proud...(vs. 51)
 
…He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble. (vs.52)

…He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. (vs.53)

You see, Mary had a spiritual hunger that she claimed had been satisfied with “good things”.  I’m quite confident they are NOT the things we described above, those, popular culture presently labels Blessed.  In fact, she states the end result of the riches of this world is emptiness.  In other words, if you are filled (find satisfaction) with the world, it’s possessions, status, and so on, the end result is emptiness in the soul.  Notice how contrary the scriptural opinion of Blessed is when compared to the current opinion the world tries to present.  How ironic, the very things the Bible discourages us to make our ultimate pursuit, are currently commonly called Blessed.  

Thus, we have two opposing opinions.  In the previous posts we labeled these opinions as ‘earthly” and “spiritual” vision. The prophet Elijah confronts the people of his time …

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.” (1 Ki. 18:21 NIV)
 
Baal represents the concepts and opinions of the world, while scripture provides concepts and truths of God.  Choosing to see things through the eyes of scripture and not through the opinion formulated by popular culture is the ability to have spiritual understanding.  
 
SUPPORTING TEXTS
Blessed are the poor in spirit…
Blessed are those who mourn…
Blessed are the meek…
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful…
Blessed are the pure in heart…
Blessed are the peacemakers…
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…
Blessed are you when people insult you… (Matt. 5:3-11 NIV)
 
Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Re. 3:17 KJV)