THE BEATITUDES (3)

THE BEATITUDES (3)

“Blessed, happy are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Concerning earthly wisdom, this verse conflicts with what is considered necessary for “getting ahead” and “being somebody.” Regarding Jewish thinking, it was contrary to tradition. The Jews were a proud people, and they were proud that they know they were proud and having understood his audience, which includes the Jewish, Galileans, Samaritans and the Gentiles, He had to address the pride in their hearts so as for them to be able to enter into the Kingdom of God which is at hand.

What “Poor in Spirit” Does Not Mean? We should first note that Jesus did not say, “Blessed are the poor in pocketbook.” It is true that those who are poor regarding material things are more likely to be poor in spirit (consider 1 Corinthians 1:26–29), but it is possible to be impoverished and still have a proud, haughty spirit. Then there are those who have been blessed financially who are as humble and dependent on God as it is possible to be. Money is not the decisive factor. God does not automatically condemn prosperity or bless poverty.

In Bible times there were primarily two classes of people: the rich and the poor, the “haves” and the “have nots.”In our text poor does not refer to those who have little; it refers to those who have nothing. It evokes the image of a beggar lying by the side of the road—a beggar depending entirely on the grace of others, a beggar who knows he has nothing and will die if no one shows mercy to him! You and I must become spiritual beggars if we are to see the kingdom of heaven. We must recognize that we are spiritually poor. Jesus said, in effect, “Blessed are the ones who, in their self-estimation of their moral and religious capabilities, are beggars, knowing their spiritual desperation.”

A good example of what it means to be “poor in spirit” is found in the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9–14). On the one hand, the Pharisee was self-righteous. He recognized no spiritual faults in himself and felt no need for divine help. On the other hand, the publican was poor in spirit. He realized he was a sinner, in desperate need of God’s mercy. He prayed, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” Jesus concluded, “I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other” (v. 14a). There is no indication that the Pharisee was inaccurate in his list of virtues, but his prideful attitude condemned him. A man can be clean in morals, honest in business, and generous in giving, yet still be rejected by God if he is not “poor in spirit".

One who is poor in spirit has taken an honest look at himself and, as a result, has put his trust in the Lord instead of in himself—and the Lord will not let him down. However, according to our text, the chief reason the poor in spirit can be blessed, happy is that they have a special promise: “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This promise sustains them, regardless of what life may bring.

How does being ‘poor in spirit’ help us to receive the kingdom of heaven? Remember the basic meaning of the word “kingdom”; it has to do with the reign of God. No man is ready to enthrone God in his heart until he first dethrones himself. No one is ready to live the faithful Christian life until he is poor in spirit. When Jesus diagnosed the church in Laodicea, He told them, “You say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17). They thought they needed nothing when, in reality, they needed everything.

Word Affirmation: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters." - Psalm 23:1-2 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“A man can be clean in morals, honest in business, and generous in giving, yet still be rejected by God if he is not “poor in spirit.”

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