The Promises of Jesus

THE POOR IN SPIRIT ARE PROMISED THE KINGDOM!

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

Matthew 5:3 God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. NLT

Matthew 5:3 You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule. The Message

Matthew 18:4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 6:20 Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Luke 6:20 God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is given to you. NLT

THE POOR IN SPIRIT ARE PROMISED THE KINGDOM!

This is Jesus’ first promise in the bible. It’s also the beginning of the Beatitudes from

the gospel of Matthew. The Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes and summarizes Jesus’ teachings. All eight beatitudes characterize followers of Christ. The first four are about our relationship with God. The second four are about our relationship with others. We are to display all these qualities and we will as we surrender to Christ. We don’t do it. He does it.

The word blessed means bliss! Blissfulness is a heavenly condition! Some translate it happiness but the root of happiness is hap which means chance or luck. What Jesus promises does not happen by chance but rather by God’s purpose and plan. We often say we’re lucky – we need to realize deep inside that we are blessed. There’s a huge difference.

Father,

Your way of life turns our ideas of happiness (blessedness) upside down. Your Word doesn’t say blessed are the self-confident – so admired by the world. Instead it says blessed are the poor in spirit, the humble, uncertain, weak people; those who recognize their flaws and sins and inability to love as you do. Those who recognize they are lost without you - are promised the kingdom of heaven!  What a gift! Forgive our self-satisfaction. Teach us to humble ourselves before you daily. I thank you that your kingdom, your rule of grace, is available and is promised. Come, Lord Jesus, rule in my life now, right here. You are my Lord and Master. You are my God.

                                                                                                               

Blessings, Dottie