Your Identity in Christ
In Christ, I am blessed to be part of God’s kingdom even though I may be poor in spirit.
Pondering Point
Two possible identities crop up with the above Identity in Christ statement. One comes from the initial beatitude, "the poor in spirit". The other comes from the experience of a person in Christ: "Being one who is blessed". The named blessing in this case is having a place in God’s kingdom. Of the two, only one of these identities is required for a blessing (being in Christ), the other is not (being poor in spirit).
Think about it this way: If we assert that one must be "poor in spirit" to be blessed, this excludes anyone that may be rich in spirit and yet possesses faith in Jesus. Identifying oneself as "poor in spirit" is not nearly as important as identifying oneself as "in Christ".
When author Dallas Willard explained "poor in spirit", he used the term “spiritual zeros” to make his point.
“Blessed are the spiritual zeros—the spiritually bankrupt, deprived and deficient, the spiritual beggars, those without a wisp of ‘religion’—when the kingdom of the heavens comes upon them.”
~ Willard, Divine Conspiracy, p. 101.
No one looks to “spiritual zeros” for answers to spiritual issues, yet here is Jesus saying that kingdom is theirs too!
Prayer
Sit down with God and look to assess your spiritual condition. This may require a fearless inventory (as Alcoholics Anonymous calls it), but these are great heart-to-heart talks with God about where you are, and where He is with and in you. Ask for the Holy Spirit's insights early on, then for strength and guidance to make any adjustments afterward.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119:57-64 8th letter: Heth (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.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
1 Peter 2:20-21
If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
The Promise
Luke 6:21
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.
Pondering Point
Put v. 59 into practice: Take time, sit with God, and consider your ways… write some thoughts down that you can later share with a few other seekers of God.