Posted on September 7, 2021 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”Matthew 5:3
In Matthew chapter 5 we have what we call the Beatitudes. It means a state of well-being or happiness. I believe Jesus took time as there were a multitude of people gathering at the bottom of the mountain to illustrate the task that He and His Disciples were about to undertake. I picture the scene as the Disciples follow Jesus up the mountain but can’t help looking back at the multitude of people behind them. As they turn and look at Jesus, I wonder the look on their faces. Picture Jesus, sitting there, as calm as can be, being stared down by a group of young men having no idea what they’re about to get into.
I take these liberties as my own perspective to set the tone for what I think is an important part of the Christian faith.
Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Jesus begins teaching His Disciples with “Blessed are the poor in spirit”. I wonder what the spirit controlling them was at the time. I would imagine the spirit of fear or maybe the spirit of uncertainty. It seems that the idea of being controlled by any other spirit then the Holy Spirit prevents us from having a “Kingdom of Heaven” mindset. I think about the spirit that controls me, it maybe the spirit of rejection or the spirit of rebellion. Jesus says it’s blessed to be poor or bankrupt of these spirits.
Before the Disciples were to endeavor into full time ministry with Jesus, He wanted them to rid themselves of any spirit that would hinder their ability to use “Kingdom of Heaven” principles. When you think of the way a spirit of any attribute can place a heavy burden on you it’s easy to see the importance of emptying ourselves of these attitudes, but how?
The spirit Jesus is bringing attention to is our emotional state of affairs. The Disciples were about to spend the next few years learning how to do that by the watching Jesus. The example that Jesus give us is also a good way to stay emotionally bankrupt, the building of our faith and prayer. Our soul is the seat of our emotions, when we become effected by circumstances these emotions cause us trouble. Best thing we can do is allow the Holy Spirit to satisfy our weary and downcast souls. In a day and age of uncertainty we could all use a dose of “Poor in spirit”, by being in God’s word and allowing Him to guide and direct. Amen!
Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri and serves with her as full-time staff members. He is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and is available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can reach him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org
Think About This: Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ. – A.W. Tozer
The Daily Bible Reading: Luke 1 | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
