Blessed are they...

Beatitudes Sunday Worship 

Please note: This script cannot exactly reflect the transmission. It may include editorial notes prepared by the producer, and minor spelling and other errors.

It may contain gaps to be filled in at the time so that prayers may reflect the needs of the world, and changes may also be made at the last minute for timing reasons, or to reflect current events.

BBC Announcement: BBC Radio 4, it’s Ten past eight and now time for Sunday Worship which this morning is led by presenter Swarzy Macaly who is joined by Deyah and Rachael Anson in a 1Xtra studio for a modern take on the beatitudes. 

Swarzy intro 

Good morning. I’m Swarzy Macaly, and today on Sunday Worship, I’m excited to explore what is said to be Jesus’s most famous sermon - the Sermon on the Mount - The Beatitudes! Each Beatitude starts with ‘Blessed are’ and if I were to finish the sentence, I would have said something like…’Blessed are the rich who have great jobs and go on great holidays…or ‘Blessed are the beautiful who always look great in every photo’…or ‘Blessed are the popular who have huge social media followings and brand deals!” But Jesus says the complete opposite! He says stuff like ‘Blessed are…the poor in spirit, the meek, those who mourn, the persecuted”...and let’s be honest! It sounds pretty strange! But in this search for inward happiness and this longing to find peace and contentment, there’s something about Jesus’s Beatitudes - these paradoxical claims - that go beneath the surface of all that we understand and turn it on its head.

As a young Christian, the Beatitudes both challenge and inspire me to live out my faith in a world that still finds these teachings as difficult as when Jesus first taught them. I’m normally found holding down the Breakfast Show over on 1Xtra every Saturday morning, so this is a bit of a departure from my usual broadcast, but today, I’m in a studio joined by two other young Christians also in the music industry, Deyah and Rachael Anson. I can’t wait to chop up their take on the Beatitudes and hear what they have to say. If these teachings, like all of Jesus’s teachings, are so counter cultural, how do we live out Jesus’s message given in Matthew’s gospel and how should they shape our lives today?

Our first piece of music this morning is the well loved hymn promising us God’s amazing grace…recorded for us by gospel group Seth Pinnock & A New Thing. 

Music 1 - Amazing Grace - Seth Pinnock and a New Thing

2 min Intro to other contributors and the reading

Ahead of International Women’s Day next week, I wanted to talk to other young women who are also in the music industry to find out how their faith and their lifestyle tie together against the pressures of working in an industry where it’s very tempting to chase after the fame and money that the world has to offer! It’s a no-brainer that Sundays at church may be the easiest day to follow Jesus’s teachings, but how do we live them out through the rest of the week…?

Sitting with me in the studio, I have an incredible rapper and artist called Deyah who reflects her faith in her music - “heyy swarzy”…Also with us, I’ve got an amazing woman who knows how to bring the vibe to any party on the 1s and 2s, it’s Rachael Anson..”heyy swarzy” 

Before we dive into the beatitudes, I wanted to kick things off and ask - what does being blessed mean to you! We all see #Blessed on social media, but does it go beyond nice holidays and glossy lifestyles. Deyah, let’s start with you… 

Guests to give a little more intro to who they are, what they do, and answer the question

Our next hymn is the wonderful Blessed Assurance written by Fanny Crosby, sung for us by a west end star who was Olivier nominated for her role in Hamilton and released a gospel album last year - Rachel John

Music 2 - Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" - Hymn, led by Becca Folkes & Seth Pinnock & A New Thing

Swarzy 

We’re now going to read Matthew 1- 12

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount 

Matthew 5: 1- 12 

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. 

The Beatitudes 

He said: 

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, 
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
4 Blessed are those who mourn, 
for they will be comforted. 
5 Blessed are the meek, 
for they will inherit the earth. 

DEYAH 
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, 
for they will be shown mercy. 
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, 
for they will see God. 
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, 
for they will be called children of God. 

RACHEL 
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

Swarzy 

 We’ve each chosen one particular beatitude that stands out to us as a mark of encouragement but also a challenge, and so I’m interested to hear which beatitude Deyah and Rachel have chosen and where they’ve landed with it…and I’ll go first!

Swarzy’s Reflection

I wanna kick off the conversation by starting right at the top with Beatitude no.1: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

This phrase ‘poor in spirit’ had always confused me, and it was only until I looked at the meaning of these words in the Greek, did I finally catch Jesus’s drift! The word ‘poor’ is the word ‘ptóchos’ in Greek meaning ‘deeply destitute, bankrupt, completely lacking resources (earthly wealth)’ and so spiritually speaking, it’s a sense of having nothing to offer God in exchange for getting into ‘the kingdom of Heaven’. And this understanding of my position before God completely clicked for me!

When I was 14, I got caught shoplifting. It was not my best day. I remember the shopkeeper telling all his other customers to leave, exposing me for what I had done, and calling the police to come and get me. I was caught red handed and there was nothing I could say or do to get out of trouble. In my desperation, I prayed and said, ‘God if you’re real, get me out of this situation, I’ll never shoplift again and I’ll follow you. I need your help.’ And as soon as I said amen, the craziest thing happened. This shopkeeper instantly had a change of heart, put down the phone to the police, and told me to go. Later that week, a friend invited me to their youth church and it was there that I heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the first time. I heard the Good News that I could never earn my salvation; I can’t get God to like me or let me off because of my family name, my job, my status, my bank balance, my Instagram following - nothing! I am saved by grace and through faith in God’s one and only Son, Jesus Christ, who gave His life for me, so as it says in John 3 that whoever chooses to believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I’m so glad Jesus kicked off his Sermon on the Mount with this Beatitude because it’s from this position of humility that I remember I have nothing to boast about! And I remember heaven will be rammed with people who also won’t have anything to boast about because who could earn their way in?! 

And yet, this same beatitude that comforts me is the same beatitude that challenges me - especially because of the industry I’m in. I don’t have to scroll the timeline very long before I fall into the trap of comparing myself with everyone else. It can be a constant battle to remind myself that true happiness - this happiness that Jesus calls ‘Blessed’ - doesn’t flow from measuring myself against other people, or growing my name, or going viral on social media, or earning more money, and buying that house. And this isn’t to trash what the world upholds - families, houses, jobs, and holidays are all good things in and of themselves but they are not ultimate things where my happiness will flow from. And so, as a young Christian, this truth frees me from clinging to these things to being able to enjoy them and hold them loosely knowing they are not my source of happiness. Isn’t that a blessing?! What a radical, upside down blessing that makes total sense. My incomparable joy is found in Jesus and so I pray that I’d cling to him and Him alone. Amen. 

MUSIC 4 - In Christ Alone – Lou Fellingham

3 mins Deyah reflection - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Younger in my faith, the term righteousness terrified me with its piety. I felt it was a form of perfection that was unattainable and inaccessible and to be honest, although I heard the term righteousness often, my understanding of it was way off.

My perspective changed when I started releasing music at the age of 15... I saw how the industry operated, how sex, promiscuity, ego, drugs and even death were glamourised and it didn't sit right with me, it didn't align with who I felt called to be. I felt like and still feel like a tourist in this culture and knew I was called to be different, to share my faith, to set some kind of example and create music that would serve listeners as opposed to enslave them into a mass way of thinking. It's so important for me to know that what I create causes healing, growth, truth and not harm.

To hunger and to thirst for righteousness I first needed to acknowledge my need for it and my insufficiency without it. I then came to the understanding, that righteousness is not merely the practice of aligning myself with God’s way but having the desire and longing to possess those qualities that orient with God’s word and naturally once that desire was there, it poured itself out into the music I created as well as the choices I made within this industry. Whether that was turning down deals, contracts, being mindful of the music I made and my intention behind it. Which don't get me wrong, when you're struggling financially and someone is offering you a bag of money or knowing that you saying yes to an opportunity will catapult your career overnight, it's hard and can be extremely frustrating and disheartening. 

In John 14:30 Jesus is speaking with his disciples and says ‘For the ruler of this world is coming and He has nothing in Me’. For me, this world, this earth, isn’t aligned with the ways of God, therefore I understand that to be righteous in an unrighteous world is very much the same as being in the world but not of it. And feeding our spirit over our flesh, making those choices daily. Making righteousness a priority doesn’t coexist well with being in this industry and although at times I’m exhausted with taking the narrow path as opposed to the broad one, there’s liberation for me in being hungry and thirsty for righteousness despite my environment, or todays’ culture because I know, that although it does feel at times my career is hindered, I knew what I signed up for taking the narrow path. It’s the whole Luke 14:28 scenario about counting the cost of being a disciple and what that means and then knowing that in Proverbs 11, He who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward’. The clue is in the word righteousness. The word right, it's the right way, not because we may say so but because God says so, it’s His way. For me, there’s nothing more beautiful than actively trying to live in the way that God has set apart for us to live in. So I know that if I walk in the way He has called me to within my career, not comprising, holding onto integrity and righteousness, He will provide the opportunities that He has for me and continue to guide me. I learnt early on, that my career, my purpose is actually nothing to do with me or even necessarily to benefit me, it's merely to be a servant to others and extend what I have found in God through music. I could wear less clothes, be more promiscuous, switch up what I rap about, say yes to everything that comes my way but this is bigger than me. I choose to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness because it's God's way and I pray that it translates through me as a person and as an artist. 

Swarz to Deyah 

Thank you so much for sharing - I know you have a favourite hymn too - which one have you chosen?

MUSIC 5 - It is well with my soul - Audrey Assad

3 mins Rachel -

Swarz: We’ve spoken about being poor in spirit from vs 3, and hungering and thirsting after righteousness in vs 6, Rachel which beatitude stood out to you the most?

Matthew 5:10 - the last verse, both inspires and challenges me deeply in my faith journey. It reads, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." 

What inspires me most about this beatitude is the reminder that righteousness is not just a personal virtue but a transformative force that can elicit strong reactions from the world. The idea that persecution can arise simply from living out one's faith with integrity is a testament to the countercultural nature of Christianity. It inspires me to live boldly for Christ, knowing that my commitment to righteousness has the power to challenge the status quo and bring about positive change, even in the face of opposition.

This relates to my journey because at the time I decided to re dedicate my life to Christ, I was well known for being a bit loud and aggressive and a serial raver but the transformation humbled me. Showing love became my identity and going to certain places didn’t interest me any more at the time. I’ll never forget hearing what so called “friends” were saying or had said about me behind my back. It upset me but I chose to ignore, let go and let God and continue to show love. And til this day, they still don’t know that I know what they had once muttered about me. 

However, this beatitude also presents a significant challenge. The notion of being persecuted for righteousness' sake forces me to confront my own comfort and complacency. It's easy to be a Christian in name only, avoiding conflict and compromise by blending in with the values of society. But Matthew 5:10 calls me to a higher standard, urging me to embrace righteousness wholeheartedly, even when it means standing alone against the tide of popular opinion. This challenge reminds me that true discipleship requires courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the truth.

Despite the difficulties it presents, Matthew 5:10 also offers a profound source of encouragement. The promise that the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who endure persecution for righteousness' sake fills me with hope and reassurance. It reminds me that no matter how fierce the opposition may be, God's kingdom stands as an eternal inheritance for all who faithfully follow Him. This assurance empowers me to persevere in the face of adversity, knowing that my suffering is not in vain and that God will ultimately vindicate His people.

A moment that I won’t forget was again in the early days of my walk, sticking up for a friend and being disrespected by a person I would have absolutely responded to differently if I was still on my old path. Choosing to be “the bigger person” crushed me to the point I told God I can’t do this and started seeking vengeance; until I had a silent moment and felt The Holy Spirit comfort me and remind me that it’s all for the greater good. It’s all part of my testimony, it’s all a part of what He has planned for me so press on Rach. 

Moreover, the beatitude encourages me to cultivate a perspective that transcends temporal circumstances. In a world where success is often measured by wealth, power, and popularity, Matthew 5:10 offers a radical redefinition of blessing—a blessing that is rooted in spiritual values and eternal rewards. This encourages me to shift my focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities, placing my ultimate hope and trust in God's promises rather than fleeting worldly accolades. 

 In conclusion, Matthew 5:10 serves as both an inspiration and a challenge in my Christian walk. It inspires me to live boldly for Christ, knowing that my commitment to righteousness has the power to bring about positive change in the world. At the same time, it challenges me to confront my own comfort and complacency, urging me to embrace righteousness wholeheartedly, even in the face of opposition. Yet, amidst the challenges, this beatitude offers a profound source of encouragement, reminding me of the ultimate reward awaiting those who faithfully endure persecution for the sake of Christ. 

MUSIC 6 - Psalm 23 – People and Songs

PRAYERS 

The words of Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

Lord, grant that I may always allow myself to be guided by You,

always follow Your plans,

and perfectly accomplish Your Holy Will.

Grant that in all things, great and small,

today and all the days of my life,

I may do whatever You require of me.

Help me respond to the slightest prompting of Your Grace,

so that I may be Your trustworthy instrument for Your honour.

May Your Will be done in time and in eternity by me,

in me, and through me. Amen.

And we join together in the Lord’s Prayer - 

Our Father in heaven, 

hallowed be your name, 

your kingdom come, 

your will be done, 

on earth as in heaven. 

Give us today our daily bread. 

Forgive us our sins 

as we forgive those who sin against us. 

Lead us not into temptation 

but deliver us from evil. 

For the kingdom, the power, 

and the glory are yours 

now and for ever. 

Amen. 

1 min closing

MUSIC 6 . "Blessed assurance" - Hymn, led by Rachel John