Sunday we began a new series on the Beatitudes. This series will be a nine week series which looks in depth at each of these. Beatitudes are what Jesus set as the attitude or attributes He is seeking in His disciples.
So here we go. Sunday we began the series with Matthew 5:1-3. As we read this section we are met with the poor in spirit. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3, NIV). My thesis for the message was. Only when we understand, we are destitute without God; can we truly be blessed and filled by God.
This can be a hard pill for us to swallow, in the church in America. This does not fit into the American dream. Let’s face it even in 2018, while we might have pity on the poor and destitute, we often still think they must have done something wrong to be in their current state of affairs.
Yet the first attitude/attribute Jesus starts with is the need to be poor. Notice Jesus does not say poor by society standards. But poor in spirit. This is of course different from not being able to pay the bills. This means understanding without God we are nothing. Without God we have nothing. It is total surrender of ourselves to God.
So how do we become poor in spirit? Well we know how to become poor by societal standards. All it takes is a few bad financial choices, living above our means, stock market crash etc. But poor in spirit and destitute begins by realizing that God is God and we are not. Surrendering every aspects of our lives to God. Living in to His will for our lives. Depending on God for every aspects of our lives. Clinging tightly to God.
I spoke earlier that we are not comfortable with the idea of being poor. As Americans we have to have control. So what keeps us from being poor and destitute in spirit? In our tradition we have altars at the front of our sanctuaries. A place where people can come and pray and leave things they are struggling with at the feet of Jesus. This can also be an altar in your house, prayer closet etc.
Sunday I mentioned where I struggle with being poor in spirit is in my checking account. When things are good I feel blessed. When the account is less than desirable, I feel as if Jesus has left me. Many times I have “surrender” this to God in prayer; left it at the altar. Only to later go back and pick it up later. I have a feeling I am not the only one who has done this. But that is not being destitute and clinging to God. I had to come to a place of surrender, a place where I realized God was God and I am not.
So what is keeping you from being poor and destitute in spirit? Perhaps it is your bank account, perhaps it is your time, and perhaps it is your attitude/view of God. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3, NIV) Are you ready to see God move in a mighty way in your life and the lives of others? Do you really want the will of God on earth? Then it is time to become poor and destitute in spirit. Food for thought. Pastor Travis out.
