Blessed Are The Pure in Heart
Today’s Verse:
From Matthew 5:8 ESV
(Jesus said) “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
It is important to note here that purity of heart does not mean that we never sin or that our motives are always pure.If that were the case, then no one of us could ever “see God.” Rather, Jesus is referring to a heart that He has made clean. He washes us in baptism with His blood, gives us a new birth into a new life. Our hearts are made pure not by our own works but by His grace.
And yet, this gift does direct our lives.
A pure heart is one that puts its trust in God above all else, clings to Christ for forgiveness, and desires to walk in His ways. The world says our happiness is in having this or that, in being successful, or being able to express ourselves. Jesus says the opposite: true blessedness is found in a heart that is fixed upon Him.
And the promise is breathtaking: “they shall see God.”
Right now we see God by faith: in His Word, in His sacraments, in His daily provision. But one day, forever purified, we shall see Him face to face. This hope causes our hearts to be set upon Him now even in the midst of this mess, even in our impurity.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, by Your Word and Spirit, cleanse my heart and keep my eyes fixed on You. Teach me to trust in Your forgiveness and grant me the joy of seeing You now by faith and one day in glory. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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