our reward is greater

The Beatitudes, possibly one of the most well known passages of scriptures, has been a source of great comfort for many Christians, and rightfully so. The words were spoken by the great Comforter Himself (Matthew 11:28)! However, I would ascertain that even more comfort and encouragement can be found in the syntax of these great verses. Let me attempt to explain myself…

All of the eight beatitudes commence with a quality one should try to attain (a command, if you will) and end with a reward if that quality/command is attained/obeyed. I believe that something very interesting can be found in the syllables of each command and subsequent reward. The reward is always greater than the command. Example: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” (the command/quality) is eight syllables, while “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is nine syllables. The reward is greater than the command. Another one: “Blessed are those who mourn…” is six syllables, while “for they shall be comforted” is seven syllables. The reward is greater than the command.

I realize that the original Greek may produce different results, but the lesson taken is still Biblical. I’m reminded of the parable Jesus told in Matthew 25, which displays this lesson perfectly. A master gives each of his servants a different number of talents. Two of them work hard to receive double of what they began with, while the other buries his in the ground. When the master returns, the lesson can be found in what he says to the two faithful servants: “…you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.”

Jesus tells us in John 14:2-3 the incredible reward we will enjoy if we but only follow His commands: a mansion in heaven. Any time we feel like we are “restricted” in comparison to the world, let us remember the Beatitudes and the reward we have been promised. Hopefully then we will see that our “burdens” truly are “light”.