Friday November 3, 2023
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
This passage has plunged many sincere souls into the depths of condemnation. For they feel, of course, that nothing in them is as unclean as their heart.
The pure heart, that must be one without sinful and impure desires.
No, it is not; for if that were the case, there would not be a single pure heart in this world of ours. Then not a single soul would ever see God in this earthly life. It is written: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
Yes, but then the pure heart must be one that is filled with faith and love. Ask Paul. He says that he is, not that he was, but that he is the chief of sinners. And ask John. He speaks of his heart condemning him.
What then is meant by a pure heart, you ask.
Well, the word used in the original text, both in the Old and in the New Testament, does not mean sinless or perfect, but pure in the sense of unmixed, that is, without falsehood or guile. In many places the word is used in such a way that there can be no doubt but that it means sincere. Truth in the inward parts, the psalmist calls it in one place.
The pure heart is, then, a sinner’s heart.
And therefore it is full of impure and sinful desires. Therefore, too, it is cold and indifferent. But this sinner’s heart was pure because he would not conceal, nor excuse, nor defend the impurity of his heart, but would see the impurity and spread it out before God.
Blessed are such hearts, says Jesus, for they shall see God.
Yes, they see God on the cross; they see the Lamb of God. The Spirit of God makes this possible.
And yours shall be the privilege of seeing more. You shall see God in your daily affairs. In your daily work. In your daily struggles. And in your joys. You shall see God’s way and His will.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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