“Blessed are the poor in Spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
-Jesus Christ, (Matthew 5:3, KJV).
Do you have the characteristics of a born-again Christian? Our Lord Jesus Christ is giving us what the characteristics are of one who has been blessed. Blessed (Makarios) is usually translated “happy” (Strong – G3107), yet to get the full picture of this word we may have to take a step back from our busy lives of watching funny video shorts online all day and pause for a moment. We need to understand what Jesus meant when he said, “blessed”. The audience of His time would view blessed as describing one who was fortunate in life including wealth, a nice house, a good wife, and lots of sons. In other words, someone who doesn’t have to worry much at all about the misfortunes and struggles of this life. They would consider themselves fortunate and happy, thinking of themselves as being above everyone else.
That really doesn’t sound much different than the attitudes of some of the high-class and mighty citizens living on Earth today (these attitudes are found in all levels of society). Jesus says that those who are blessed are actually those who are, “poor in spirit”, meaning those who are lowly, humble, and know that they are completely spiritually bankrupt and need God’s help. They understand that they have a need of a savior and the “poor in spirit” are those who will except Jesus Christ and be saved.
So, let’s see if you can pass the first character test given by Jesus Christ Himself.
1. Have you admitted to God that you have sinned and rebelled against him, understanding that you are spiritually bankrupt and in need of a mighty savior?
2. Does your heart cry out to God to fill the emptiness inside and know that you cannot come to a blessed state by your own power or strength, but you are in need of God’s power, His grace and salvation offered in Christ Jesus, and that you are in need of the Holy Spirit?
3. In your daily life do you see others with a heart of compassion and grace, not seeing yourself as being higher or better than another in relation to God’s blessings over your life?
If you have answered yes to all three questions and have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior then “blessed are you, poor in spirit: for yours is the kingdom of Heaven”. Let me know how you did on the test and please share your testimony!
Copyright 2023 JL