Matthew 5:8-12 

I see a progression through these pronouncements that Jesus is making.. as He comes to abide in us in our poverty and through our mourning and humbling of ourselves.. as we develop a hunger for Him and His righteousness and experience His mercy.. we become more like Him!  And we are indeed "blessed"!

In verse 8 Jesus tells us that there is a blessedness found in having a pure heart.  The only way we can have such a heart is to have Jesus abiding therein.  When He abides in us to such a degree that our hearts are made clean.. then.. He says... we shall "see God".  There is a wonder.. an awesomeness.. to this new reality. We cannot imagine any other way that this would be possible.. but Jesus blesses us with this privilege.  

Jesus then calls us blessed.. to be peacemakers.. to be called God's children and to reflect His character .. for He is the God of peace.  Jesus came as the "Prince of peace".. He came to make peace between sinful mankind and the Holy One.  He wants us to show others the way of this peace.. the way to Himself. (v9)

Verse 10-12.... Jesus teaches that even persecution "for the sake of righteousness" or because of Him... we find a blessedness. "Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets before you." 

Father in heaven, You have given to us a perfect Savior who has come to make us new.. to do in us what we can never do on our own. Fill us with all the fullness of the Lord Jesus we ask.. rejoicing with thankful hearts that You are willing and able to perfect in us Your good purpose. Amen.