Jesus said, Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

I've been meditating on the Beatitudes in Matthew chapter five for quite some time now. Drinking in the Scriptures one by one. Reading commentaries. Studying the words. Asking the Lord to help me to understand them.

May I share in a short series, how the Lord has blessed me in the reading of these words?

The Bible tells us that upon seeing the multitudes of folks gathering on the mountain, Jesus taught these words.

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

Let's start with the word 'blessed'. The Greek word translated is Makarios. Makarios is a word that speaks of an enduring state or condition that is unquestionable. Jesus is about to give the people strong, flawless statements that will leave no room for doubt or argument. Jesus was speaking Truth that would endure.

Speaking this word, Makarios, to this audience would have caused them to pause, to pay attention. Jesus wasn't just speaking of happiness. He wasn't agreeing with the common belief that Makarios comes from some external force. But Jesus was saying that Makarios comes from within us. It is not dependent on earthly circumstances. Instead Jesus emphasizes that Makarios, happiness and fulfillment, come from surrender, an attitude of our heart, the place where we live humbled lives before our mighty God.

What does it mean to be "poor in spirit?"

Being poor means we are lacking in something. The world considers that we are "poor" if we lack money, power, vacation homes, or other earthly possessions. Being poor in spirit goes beyond that.

The word "spirit" in this verse speaks to our self image. If we are poor in spirit, we realize that we are spiritually lacking. It represents one who realizes that they can't live without God. One who is poor in spirit admits that I am nothing without Him. They realize their need for a Savior. They are dependent upon Jesus. Completely.

When I am poor in spirit, I can rest in His arms, deeply knowing that whatever comes my way, He is with me. He will take care of me. He will be my helper and guide.

It means I will clear my agenda and plans to walk in His. It means that Proverbs 16:9 becomes my way of life. And THAT my friend, is good.

Proverbs 16:9 "Man plans his ways, but the Lord determines his steps."

This, a lesson that I am in the process of learning still. But when I am dependent on God, surrendered to His work, timing, EVERYTHING-then I can know without a shadow of doubt that I am walking in Makarios. And right now, there is no place that I'd rather be!

So what is the result of my surrender to God? Where does this lead me?

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

When I am walking in surrender, I am walking in the kingdom of heaven. One foot on the ground, one foot above. I am living in the reward. Now and forevermore.

Dear Jesus, Keep me in your blessings. Keep my heart humbled before you, trusting you with what comes next. May my heart surrender to you daily, or in the moment, if needed. May I always keep my eyes on You. In your mighty name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.