Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [Mathew 5:3 NRSV]
In the passage described as the beatitudes Jesus lists eight things that invoke a blessing. He mentions meekness, mourning, mercifulness, purity of heart and peacemaking. He mentions blessings of kingdom inheritance, comfort, mercy, adoption and divine vision. Nowhere to be found in this list of blessings is wealth or any other earthly thing. The focus of Christ's words are spiritual not material.
This list of blessings is so counterintuitive. It goes against the grain of what many consider to be blessings. Perhaps it is because the word 'poor' (πτωχός) used in this verse means 'reduced to being a beggar'. That convicts me. I cannot really relate to being a beggar. Even so, in this upside down divine kingdom, spiritual pride is vanquished and spiritual beggars are blessed.
I am proud. I repent. Forgive me Lord. Create a beggar heart in me.
... this devotion is part of the z2a bible words series.
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