Privileged by God

Blessed are the pure in heart,
      for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 (NIV)

Props: Various school passes (e.g., “hall pass,” “runner,” “library pass,” etc.)

            Time to test your knowledge: Beatitudes is a word that means…(Allow the students to respond) blessings!  Who wants God’s blessings?  Let’s start off by learning more about what it means to be blessed by God. 

            All of you go to school and you know that one of the favorite things for most students is leaving the classroom, especially when no one else gets to go.  Sometimes the teacher may give you or someone in your class a pass like this one.  (Display “hall pass”).  It says “hall pass” and it means that whoever is carrying it has permission to be in the hall.  Probably the person who is carrying the hall pass is mature and grown-up enough for the teacher to trust.  She wouldn’t let just anyone out on their own.  This one can also be fun.  (Display “runner”).  It says “runner” and it means that the boy or girl carrying it is running errands for the teacher.  The teacher really has to be able to trust a runner.  He or she carries important information.  How many of you like to do that?  (Allow for response).  And one more type of pass that you may get is a library pass, like this one.  (Show pass).  It may mean that you finished your work early and you get to go spend some free reading time in the library.  You’ve worked hard and now the teacher is giving you a special privilege. 

            When God blesses you, He gives you special privileges.  You will be blessed if you keep a clean heart.  You will be blessed because God said you will see Him if you keep a clean heart.  Just like you may be privileged with a hall pass at school, God will give you a “pass” to be able to see Him.  Not everyone can see God, only those whose hearts are pure and clean.  It’s an incredible, wonderful privilege to see God.  And if your heart stays pure, you’ll be able to see Him yourself.