Matthew 5: 3-12

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

MORE RED WORD WISDOM to share today. As I explained, my current Bible studying is revolving around Jesus’ words.  I have a feeling studying Jesus’ words are going to take most of this year. Obviously, I can’t go in to every verse so today I’m focusing on the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes were part of his Sermon on the Mount, which was his first major speaking event.

Studying these were a revelation to me. They demonstrate the many layers of God’s Word. Simply reading a Bible passage and moving on to the next  is never enough. It pays to do a little research and see what Bible scholars (the experts) have to say about a specific verse. Then put the verse in your own words so that you understand it for yourself.

Today, we’re just going to look at the first Beatitude. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed is a term that refers to the inner joy and peace that comes from being right with God. Another definition I came across that I love is DIVINE REWARDS. Doesn’t that say it all?

 

Blessed are the poor in spirit. What does poor in spirit mean? Spiritually bankrupt. Nothing to offer God. No way to save yourself.

After much reading and studying, I came up with this definition: understanding I am “poor” spiritually, that I have nothing of worth to offer to God. Therefore, I can’t “buy” my way into heaven with good works. Only after understanding this principle, are we ready to accept God’s gift of salvation.

 

That’s only the first Beatitude, there are seven more, which I’m not going to get into since I’m out of space. But I would love for all of you to take one of the Beatitudes and tell us what it means to you!

 

GOD BLESS & GOOD READING!