theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matt. 5:3 NKJV
The poor in spirit…
What does ‘poor in spirit’ mean? The word ‘poor’ in Greek means to crouch, a beggar (as cringing), pauper, asking alms, needy, and lacking in anything.
‘Poor in spirit’ does not mean poor in spirituality. The one poor in spirit is lowly in heart, convinced of his or her spiritual poverty and pleads as a beggar to God to be replenished.
One who is ‘poor in spirit’ has emptied himself or herself of all pride, selfishness, and ambition through humility, gratitude, and submission to God.
…are blessed…
‘Blessed’ in Greek means happy, supremely blest, fortunate, well off, and of that which is the highest good.
…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…
The Greek word for ‘kingdom’ means royal power, kingship, dominion, rule, the territory subject to the rule of a king.
Without recognizing one’s lack of spirit, one cannot realize God’s fullness. Grace cannot be poured out to one oblivious of his or her necessity for it. The poor in spirit have the fulfillment of heaven’s kingdom dominion.
The poor in spirit are blessed with the kingdom’s abundance of riches. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33 NKJV)
Scripture tells us that we share in the God’s kingdom because we are His children, “For [God’s] Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.” (Rom. 8:16-17 NLT)
Are you poor in spirit? Then, shout because you are blessed. The riches of Christ are yours. The kingdom of heaven is yours. Hallelujah!
