Beatitudes 5:1-3

Good Morning Friends,

I thought it might be interesting to take one Beatitude at a time and discuss it. We begin in Matthew 5:1-3 Amp. 

“When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. Then He began to teach them saying,

Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].” [Luke 6:20-23]

Think how overbearing the crowds were when a young Jesus in his early thirties walked the earth. They did not want to miss a single miracle. Most followers had to believe He was their Messiah! Indeed! Their Deliverer and Savior! The Holy one to come that the Prophets wrote about! Jesus went up the mountain perhaps to rest and get away from the crowds and when He was seated, his disciples came to Him.  

Picture yourself walking with the disciples and then looking around for a place to sit, maybe at His knee to listen! You are overwhelmed by His every word. While He talks, He looks around and then, into your eyes and He smiles. You think in glorious wonder, “Jesus smiled at me!” You do not realize it, but He sees your heart, your adoration and love as He talks. Your heart will never be the same again because, it belongs to Him. 

When the verse says Blessed, Jesus was talking about those who believe and trust in Him are blessed but also happy in the Lord, meaning we are spiritually prosperous. I see being spiritually prosperous as being rich in faith! 

Poor in spirit are those who remain humble and do not think themselves more highly than others. True humility puts others first and serves the flock. 

Here’s our promise: Ours is the kingdom of heaven. We are in the family of God through His son Jesus, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Let’s Pray,

Oh Heavenly Father,

Thank you for this wonderful promise. Oh to sit at Your Son’s knee and the thoughts of looking into His eyes while He teaches us. The very thought of a smile from Him lifts up our hearts and renews our faith. Thank you for the richness of your Word. We ask that we can always be by your knee and listen  to what You say. Teach us to hear clearly and recognize your voice easily. Thank you for this walk in faith that you have chosen us to do. Show us how to be a blessing and glorify you in our thoughts, our speech and actions today. It is our desire to be pleasing in your sight and for you to smile upon us. Our will is your will. Continue to teach us to love others guided by your Spirit. Teach us to be sensitive to the needs of those around us and serve in your Spirit. We give you this day Father and honor you before everything we do. 

In Jesus we pray, amen