THE BEATITUDES – PART 2

 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

 

The above statement can be viewed in two different ways. If you are poor in spirit, it could be seen as though the person views themselves to be worth nothing, while on the other hand, someone who is poor in spirit may be downcast and miserable for whatever reason.

The context here does not point to a person who is simply poor in terms of wealth as contrasted to someone who has a huge amount of wealth. Jesus is talking about the condition of one’s spirit. That part of us that will live for eternity. It is not dependent upon wealth or one’s position in society. A very wealthy person can take on the position of being poor in spirit; let us see how this is possible.

Looking at this from a different angle, focusing on people who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. These people range from those in absolute poverty to those that have so much wealth, they do not know what to do with it. Irrespective of position, it is easy for any of them to become proud and arrogant. This pride and arrogance is the opposite of being poor in spirit.

Jesus is quite simply saying that the core foundation of having a relationship with Him is rooted in having a humble spirit, a poor spirit. For Jesus, much later tells those around him: “… Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). It is this humble in heart that Jesus refers to in the above opening statement of His sermon.

In our place of brokenness, we can have what is known as a ‘broken and contrite spirit’: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17 NIV). The prophet Isaiah, sharing with those who have returned from exile as to what God expects from them going forward, states: “I [God] live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit” (Isaiah 57:15 NIV) and then again after the people compare the newly built temple to Solomon’s temple and are disappointed: “Heaven is my home and earth is my footstool. … This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word” (Isaiah 66:1-2 NIV).

The word contrite implies that you have a feeling of expressing remorse at the recognition that you have done wrong, and therefore you wish to make right. It leads you to having a repentant heart.

The Hebrew word shâphâl [shaw-fawl] used for humble, implies putting oneself in a lowly position, therefore not being proud. The Greek word tapěinŏõ [tap-i-nŏ-o], used mostly in the New Testament for humble, implies that one brings oneself low in their heart.

Jesus is telling them that if they will humble their hearts, lay down self and accept His leadership, then they shall be happy as they shall experience God’s grace upon their lives, and they can one day expect to be residing in glory in the kingdom of heaven.

Join with me as we adopt the mindset of; More of Jesus – Less of Self.