“Blessed are … ” – Matthew 5:1a

Fine-tuned living is paradoxical, only making sense when God tunes the instruments. The least likely to be blessed are blessed.

“Blessed are the poor…” Jesus became poor in spirit and in material things that he and we might become wealthy heirs of the kingdom.

“Blessed are they that mourn…” The comfort we receive in mourning is the very presence of God that heals and renews. It is not a pleasant path to blessing, but blessings await. Good finely tunes us through suffering to make beautiful music.

“Blessed are the meek …” Those who are strong do not have to prove it. The gentle do not fight for earth or power. Yet, they inherit all they refuse to grab. This is mystery and reality in the Spirit. We are fine-tuned to embrace it.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness …” Tuning requires listening intently one note which defines all others and out of which all overtones flow. Musicians long for the accuracy of the tuning and, to that extent, are satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful …” Mercy is a two-way channel.  Merciful people tune their lives and open a channel through which they show mercy and they shall obtain mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart …” The pure in heart have unclouded intentions and clarity of vision. Their spiritual sight is as fine-tuned as a master’s violin and, through that clarity, they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers …” Peacemakers are so tuned to the heart of God that they are easily identified as His children. They shall be called the children of God. Like father, like son or daughter.

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake … Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

The kingdom belongs to those who so closely identify with Jesus that they share his sufferings.  Fine-tuned people rejoice with gladness in a kingdom characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. As the tuning of a musical instrument is never once and for all, so we have embarked on a lifetime of tuning. We keep at it constantly and God makes beautiful music through us.