What is the Definition of a Blessing?

Recently I finished listening to a biography of Elon Musk. He emerged from a troubled childhood and became the cofounder of PayPal and the founder of Tesla and SpaceX. If we could poll society as to what constitutes success, I believe Mr. Musk could check nearly all the boxes. He has made lots of money, is regarded as making a real difference in the world, has evident giftedness, has been the partner of numerous celebrated women, is able to spend time with wealthy and important and powerful people, and is able to throw exotic parties in exotic destinations.

Earlier this year I listened to a missionary biography of a woman who went with her husband to New Guinea in the late 1930’s. When World War II erupted, she and her husband were interred in separate Japanese prison camps, where they suffered greatly. Her husband died. When the war was over, she had nothing left. Her health was in great jeopardy. But what gripped me as I listened was how she was comforted by Jesus in times when she had nothing. She laid her emptiness before Jesus and confessed her sins and could later tell of the joy that He supplied for her.

These two biographies were obviously very different, leading to a significant question – who can best define what blessing is? The eight Beatitudes in Matthew 5 each begin with the word “blessed.” Jesus is explaining what a truly blessed life is. Recent articles have touched on the first two. Jesus said those who are poor in spirit and who mourn over sin are blessed (verses 3-4).

He then defines the type of blessing they enjoy – possessing a place in the kingdom of heaven for those who are humble and depend on Christ for salvation, and comfort for those who mourn over sins.

From this we learn to adjust our expectations of blessing from God. Jesus did not promise immediate freedom from all trouble. But it is promised that in heaven all tears of His people will be dried (Revelation 7:17).

To belong to the kingdom is to have a personal relationship with the King who died specifically for His own people. He cherishes them through all ups and downs and equips them to represent Him even in times of trouble.

You cannot go back and undo the things you regret and which cause you to mourn your smallness and failure. But Jesus promises to cover the sins of His people and to perfect us in heaven. To be outside Christ’s kingdom would be to forfeit the blessing of being comforted by His persistent love and His work to bring you to glory. Because of His sacrifice on the cross, the way is open for us to be cleansed. Even if we have little here on earth to celebrate, remember that the King has personally promised blessed comfort to those who properly mourn their sins, a blessing that is greater than even the richest person could match here on earth.