Mat. 5:3
I was told several years ago that this verse was talking about pride, and that if I was humble "mine would be the kingdom of heaven". Another time I was told that it is an argument against riches. When I read this verse yesterday morning it seemed like maybe Jesus was saying something else.
I think that when Jesus said "Blessed are the poor in spirit", He was talking about our attitude toward things/'riches' (Cars, money, nail polish).
When I read this verse I thought of Joseph in Egypt. During the famine he invited his father and brothers to come live with him. In his invitation he tells the starving men:
Regard not your stuff; for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.
Gen 45:20
Many times in my life God has asked me to leave things I knew behind. Most of the time that has included "regarding not my stuff". You know, Joseph didn't just say "Don't worry about your stuff", He says " Regard not your stuff, for (Because) the best of the land of Egypt is yours."
I think that is kinda what Jesus was saying. Those who will separate themselves from the love of things; Those who will dare to be poor in spirit; theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I looked up the kingdom of heaven on crosswalk because it seems like if He was just talking about heaven He would have just said "For theirs is Heaven" but He didn't. The word used for kingdom is basileiva it means royal power, kingship, dominion, or rule, it is not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the authority or right to rule over a kingdom. It describes the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah and the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom. The original word for heaven is oujranovß it describes the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it the universe, the world. Cool huh?!
Jesus said blessed are the poor in spirit because those who will let go of things and take hold of Christ receive SO much more, an eternal more!
~ReBecca Jo
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