“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].
Matthew 5:3 AMP
The Context and Focus:
Today's verse is taken from the first sermon preached by Jesus, according to the account of Matthew. As it was always the case, there was a large crowd following Jesus by this time. Heaven had testified to his Sonship, the Holy Spirit had descended on him, he had been led by the power of the Holy Spirit to the wilderness to be tempted and had overcome, so He had been prepared for ministry. It was not a wonder then that he had a large crowd following Him everywhere He went. But like all things that Jesus does, the size of the crowd is not the determinant of God's backing. Men will seek out God in you, but do not be fooled or deceived by the size of the applause. As can be seen from the verse above, what really matters to Jesus is that heart that seeks after him. There was a crowd at the foot of the mountain, and his disciples were seated with him at the top of the mountain, yet He directly addressed that one person who would come, as they are, and seek his help. Are you that one person?
The Message:
Who is that one person? The verse refers to him who is 'poor in spirit'. The verse above also explains who this person is, describing such a person as one who has no spiritual arrogance, who regard himself as insignificant. How does a man come to this point, if he is not totally surrendered to a superior authority? How does a man lose all spiritual arrogance, if he has not been totally broken? Pride is just a silent killer, because most times, the person with it does not always know s/he has it, and when it is pointed out sometimes, there is anger and resistance. It is always ideal for a person to be spiritually aware of who s/he is, what you have been called into, and the expectations of God for you. When I know who I am, who I am called to follow and serve, what He has deposited in me, and the fact that an account will be demanded of me, I believe that all of the above will keep a man from feeling entitled or superior to anyone else.
The Conclusion:
The understanding of what grace is will help a man come to this conclusion. What can a man lay hold of, if it is not given to him by God and if indeed it is God who gives it, where is the place or point of pride in our acquisitions or achievements? For the person who is completely sold over to God, who knows that there can never be enough of God, God will be pleased to be associated with that person, and there is no limit to the impact that person will have on the earth where s/he has been planted. It is also instructive that the matter of humility and surrender is the first mention in this sermon. It is critical to all that God can achieve in anyone's life. It is not a wonder that the promise for those who walk this path is the kingdom of heaven, both now and forever. It is the poor in spirit who are truly rich, because they own the promise of life. Of what use is to gain the whole world and be celebrated on earth, if heaven has no record of your service, and no reward waits? I have to get it right. God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment