Matthew 5: 1- 3 “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.
vs. 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
vs. 3 Blessed are the poor in Spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
vs. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
I am grateful for the positive comments on the ” Wisdom for Marriage” series. The topic was very specific and admittedly a good marriage has many qualities to it. To enjoy them we need to have a good defense against temptation. In football terms, a good defense is a good offense. In other words we make the “play” before the “play” is made on us. That was the main point of our last series. By heightening our awareness, and learning God’s truth and perspective on what a good marriage is makes us readied and sure. As we move forward into passages that are rich in truth, we need to take them and apply them to our relationships with our spouses, and then from there with others.
In Matthew 5: 3-12 there are a series of verses that have been referred to as the ” Be Attitudes” or said in reverse, “Attitudes to Be” (or become ). In this discourse, which is part of a larger message called the “Sermon on the Mount,” we learn a completely different set of values. Values contrary to our normal thinking and comforts. As we go through these verses we will see a progression of truth. In the same way we build homes, starting with the foundation before we build the walls, so is the progression here. We start with the foundation – one’s core view of themselves. There are 10 versus total and we will discuss two verses per devotion.
“Blessed are the poor in Spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” The first word to study is “Blessed,” or in the Greek “Makarios.” Its meaning is far reaching and for a single word, it is packed with interpretation. Some definitions include,” possessing the favor of God, or that state of being where one becomes partaker of God’s nature through faith in Christ and/ or to be fully satisfied no matter the circumstances. All of these definitions are Makarios. Makarios differs from happy (“hap” in the Greek) in that happiness is based on favorable circumstances, as in “good luck.” Good luck makes us happy, bad luck makes us sad. To be blessed is not circumstantial. Aristotle defined Makarios as the one who is in the world, yet independent of it. His or her satisfaction comes directly from God, not favorable circumstances or “good luck.” It’s a great word – problem is, not too many of us live it. So I want to start by asking why and how do I become blessed? I would like for us to view the next ten verses as a progression to that state of being blessed, if we apply the truth of these verses to our life.
“Blessed are the poor in Spirit: For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” That is quite a promise. What it is not saying is that you have to be poor to be blessed or “to inherit the Kingdom.” This clarification is important, because lacking finances does not always equate to being “poor in spirit” which is the emphasis of this verse. So what is it to be “poor” in spirit? “Ptochos” the Greek word has three distinct usages 1) poor, helpless, relying on others for your daily needs 2) a humble state of being but working and able to provide for your daily needs 3) those who see themselves in the light of God’s Holiness and find themselves lacking, wanting or without – unable to bridge the gap from personal sin to holiness.
Often we think we can “cross over” to God’s side by our own efforts, by doing good etc. We are not understanding the righteousness/holiness of God. It is unattainable by our own means. We require the intervention of God the Father, which comes when we realize our poverty of spirit. Impoverished in any way to bring righteousness from ourselves. We fully need and require the work of the Holy Spirit in us which is born by faith, as we trust in the work of Christ on the Cross. Much like a child that looks at a wall he can’t climb, but with trust in his eyes looks to his father who can easily lift the child up and over. It is the same with us. We can’t climb the wall of righteousness, but our Father can enable us through His Spirit. This then is to be poor in spirit and is the starting point of being blessed. Do not confuse acts of kindness or sacrifice for righteousness/holiness. Though very noble, these deeds do not make us righteous. They are a reflection though of who we are meant to be.
” Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” ” Pentheo” is the word to mourn and it means just that. To mourn, to grieve, or to lament. However in context we are talking about a deep inner grieving, that in view of God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, we are deeply repentant. This is the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart, and the response of the heart as it says yes to His call. To be aware of one’s guilt, but to be flooded by the love and grace of God is nothing short of a miracle, causing one to feel blessed. Not based on circumstances, luck or worldly fortune, but solely based because God loves me (us). So my core view of me has nothing to do with my talents, intelligence or circumstances, but of God’s love for my life. This elevates and validates my worth, and brings comfort to my soul. To not have this understanding then is why we are not living out the life God would have for us.
Father God,
Thank you for this study. Cause me to understand that being “blessed” is not a material thing or based on circumstances. It is a heart condition that requires me to be rightly connected to You. This ” to be blessed” is available to all people from the child to the aged. Cause us to value being in a relationship with You Father and to see that so many of our insecurities, frustrations and fears are because inwardly we are not connected to You.
Move forward in His Grace – Arthur