Μακάριοι

Matthew the Gospel writer uses the Greek word Μακάριοι (makarios) to describe those who are in the kingdom and happy about it. That describes you and me if we are believers in Jesus Christ. Poor in spirit, mourning, meek and those who are merciful in heart are happy. We know it sounds odd to the world, but to us it makes sense. We are blessed.

Interestingly, the same word is also used seven times in the book of Revelation. You can check out all the references on your own, but today we want to bring to your attention the Μακάριοι of Revelation 19:9. Here it is in context:

‘Then a voice came from the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, both small and great!" Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed (Μακάριοι) are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."’

It is hard for our human minds to comprehend the picture here but I hope that you feel as I do when I read that passage. It excites me. It moves me. It makes me happy. It gives me confidence. One day, we who are small and great will be with Him, and then we will be Μακάριοι with a capital M!

For today, we can all take joy and be of good cheer. The time for the wedding of the lamb is not far away. Until that day comes , we can participate in the coming of the kingdom. Take another look at the passage. He has given something to wear before the feast. He has given us, the church, righteous acts to in which to walk. Today, we will be nourished by Him, and then we will go out to fill up what is lacking in His afflictions as Paul said. When He comes, we will be ready, and it will be quite the feast.

Those are the true words of God.

Enjoy .