Rich in Jesus
Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven.”
THIS is the first of nine beatitudes.
“Beatitude” means “fortunate”, “blessing” or “happy”. Jesus delivered this list
at what is known as The Sermon on the Mount. In a fascinating technique, Jesus
speaks of blessings coming out of conditions of body, heart and soul that would
cause one to feel unhappy instead of happy.
How, for example, can one be “poor in spirit” and still be
happy? Notice that “spirit” is not capitalized—it refers to our own self. This is
about our own emotions, thoughts and desires. Jesus teaches that blessing comes
when we give away our own desires to have room to receive the Spirit of God
into our empty spirits. When
Christ says, “Come, follow me” to his disciples, they must also drop themselves
spiritually to be able to accept him as Messiah. We must do the same.
How do we become “poor in spirit”, make room for Jesus? The means
of God’s blessings are always constant. We pray, read and meditate on His Word.
We live His Word. The attitude, “I can do it.” gives way to, “Your will be
done.”
In this “poor spirit” opening, we begin to experience God’s
kingdom more richly and personally. We begin to say, “Lord, show me what to
do.” We even begin to say, “Thank you, God for the trials I endure. I have come
closer to you.”
Being “poor in spirit” means you let God be God in your life.
You follow his law, you live his grace, you accept his love, and you rejoice in
his work in your life. Your life reflects the life giver so that others may
know him.
LIFE Link: Give away some of
yourself and receive more of God.
No comments:
Post a Comment