Disciples Learn Paths of Blessedness
Disciples rejoice that being ‘poor in spirit’ does not exclude one from a place in the kingdom of God.
This week begins a series within a series: The beatitudes. They are a well-known section of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, starting with "blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".
God’s desire is that any and all people experience the kingdom of heaven, not just some ‘spiritually elite’ class – as if there were the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’. Spiritually poor folk are as welcome as any others, evidenced by the healings and other miracles performed for the common folk in the chapter directly preceding Jesus’ sermon. In fact, Jesus blessed the poor by starting His ministry among them. That is key to understanding this teaching.
Matthew 4 is where Jesus begins His public ministry, sharing His message, “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (4:17). That leads to this. Right away we see that the kingdom is not just near us, but is available to us – all of us, any of us. Blessed we are, even if we are ‘poor in spirit’. The kingdom is ours too! This is not to say that the ‘spiritually rich’ are not also able to receive the kingdom. Surely God wants them too, right!? Rather Jesus is correcting a societal misperception that spiritually elite people are somehow more blessed – more superior – in the eyes of God.
Prayer
Father God, I am not sure that I know how to measure a spiritual condition. I do rejoice that You don't use the measure of one's spiritual condition to determine qualification to enter Your kingdom. I do know that we are all sinners and all in need of a savior, including Pharisees of the highest rank and tax collectors of the lowest rank. Regardless of how I may be ‘ranked’, I am grateful that You have called me Your own. And I’m grateful in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:57-64 (Heth, 8th letter)
ח
- You are my portion, LORD; I have promised to obey your words.
- I have sought your face with all my heart be gracious to me according to your promise.
- I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
- I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
- Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
- At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
- I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
- The earth is filled with your love, LORD; teach me your decrees.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The traditional sense of the letter Heth is possibility or potential, a power of choice. Where others have chosen paths of wickedness, the Psalmist seeks God.