Theme of the Week: What is a Christian? The Christian Character
Bible Verse: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3 CSB
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 66:1-6
Are you poor in spirit?
The word “poverty” is not in vogue nowadays. It is not at all appealing, especially because it suggests the notions of suffering, lack, and humiliation. The common man, struggling for survival and dignity, is more interested in the theme of prosperity because no one, not even the poor, likes poverty.
Having said that, Jesus, who was addressing a crowd of people gathered to hear him, was not talking about their financial, material or physical situation. It is not what’s in your house or your bank account that comes to his mind when he thinks of you. You may be like many of Jesus’ listeners who inwardly wished they could have an authentic experience with God but were torn between the needs of their body and those of their soul.
As you read this, Jesus may be seeking to enrich you by bringing you closer to God and giving you free unlimited access to the kingdom of heaven. What he offers you is far more precious than any earthly goods you might amass in your lifetime. Regardless of your background and social status, it is a good thing, it seems, to be poor in spirit. Because there is a promise attached to it.
Before Jesus, there were prophets, kings, and priests who acted as intermediaries for God. But none of them ever claimed to be able to give us what we really yearned for in our hearts: peace with God and eternal life.
Thanks to Christ, you can become spiritually rich and live an abundant life marked by the fullness of his presence.
Copyright © 2021 Impactus | Promise Keepers Canada. All rights reserved.
About
