“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Some scholars, teachers, and
students bewilder this scripture a lot. Thanks to the Spirit, I’m reaching the true meaning of the verse through this
essay. Those individuals that have a fetish for and crave God are the “poor in spirit folks, whether they’re wealthy
or insolvent.
The Lord has a deep appreciation for the servants that hunger and seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 demonstrates that fact:
“Without faith it’s impossible to please God...and he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” When a person is
starving, he will most likely start searching for food. He wont quit until exhausting every strength that can possible
arise from himself. Take, for example, a typical view of a homeless man. Usually, the image portrays a voracious person that craves a meal or cash. Perhaps this is what the Lord wants His people to act: lusting and aspiring for Him, and searching Him with all
of our might. David was a God-seeker, who sought the Lord diligently. “...my soul [thirsted] for you in a dry and thirsty land, where no water [was].” (Psalms 63:1) The Lord was very pleased with David because he longed and thirsted for the living God and wouldn’t cease until he found Him. Those that want the Lord so badly are the “poor in spirit”, whom will never cease their quest until finding Christ.
The individuals who possess the riches of God in their heart, and not the world’s treasures, are “poor in spirit.” Does a
homeless person have mansions, cars, wealthy possessions? Nope! Instead, having the treasure of the kingdom in heart,
vain jewels aren’t distracting to the mind. Becoming empty, and allowing the Lord to fill the void, is the greatest feeling
that a man or woman can experience.. “Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind...”(Romans 12:2) Don’t act like the world, who exchange godliness for misery. Expel the stomach of the milk inside
of it, and cram the body full of meat from the kingdom.
There is also confusion over the verse in Matthew 5:3. Some individuals teach that the Lord plainly doesn’t accept wealthy
people, but that’s untrue. Some preach that it’s a sin to have a large sum of honest money, but that’s false. In
Luke 18:24-25, Jesus states, “How hardly will those with riches enter the kingdom of God! It’s easier for a camel to go
through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter heaven.” This verse doesn’t imply that a rich man can’t enter heaven,
but the scripture says that an opulent individual will have a much harder task of trying to serve the Lord because of the
distractions by their riches. Jesus urges the moneyed men to have charity and follow Him. “...and sell all that you have and
give it to the poor, then follow me and have treasures in heaven.” (Luke 18:22) Perhaps Jesus not only wants us to give
away the physical treasures we have, but also the gems inside our hearts so that we can follow Him fully in faith. When
you are “poor in spirit,” not only is the heart homeless, but also abundant because you have God and a mansion in heaven.
(Read Matthew 6 for the explanation of a mansion in heaven.) Worrying about riches doesn’t exist because those objects
no longer have a role in life. Only serving Jesus is imperative.
Those that are passionate for and crave the Lord are “poor in spirit,” whether they’re rich or not. Humanity desires wealth
and pleasure, but those values lead to misery. Only God can give happiness. When an individual follow His ways, that
person receives joy. Accept the Lord into your heart, and allow Him to dwell there. Drop any distractions that hinders
your worship. The kingdom of heaven belongs to the “poor in spirit” because those are the individuals seeking the Lord
and swallow the blessings which come from the Almighty. “Seek the kingdom of God first, and all other things will be
added.” (Matthew 6:33) Trust in the Lord, not money, or mansions, or any other person or object. Only Jesus can save
a life. I hope many blessings will fall upon the man, woman, or child who reads this sermon and apply the wisdoms of this essay. Light many flames within your heart. Amen!
Sermon By Jermaine. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2001.