SonTheM 02

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:3

Matthew recorded eight beatitudes given by Jesus. Beatitudes were not a new idea, though. They were rooted in poetry and wisdom literature (like Psalms and Proverbs). However, what Jesus mentioned as beatitudes are not at all what people in that time would have expected.
These beatitudes build on each other. It's kind of like an 8-step program. Unfortunately, though, you can't just walk through the steps once and be a great follower of Christ. Each of these is a day-to-day act.

The word poor here means "beggerly poor." The same word is used to describe Jesus in 2 Corinthians 8:9. To be poor in spirit has nothing to do with earthly treasures and wealth, but rather means that you have confidence in God alone. If you're poor in spirit, then you have acknowledged that you are spiritually bankrupt and that only through God's provision can you accomplish anything. Basically, it's admitting that you have nothing to offer God that He doesn't already have access to, and that it is only by His grace that you live day to day.
The reward for being poor in spirit is having the kingdom of heaven. This is present tense. That means that we HAVE the kingdom of heaven, not that we will receive the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom of heaven is an already-not yet concept. It's already here as Christ reigns in the lives of His followers, but it hasn't come in its entirety yet.

May you be poor today. May you know that without God, nothing is possible. And may the kingdom of heaven be active in your life today as you allow Christ to reign in you.