Pastor Dr. Abraham ObadareIt is good to remind ourselves of Jesus’ first admonition to everyone in Matt. 4:17 saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
As He proceeded, Jesus taught His disciples and all listeners in Matthew 5, beginning with verse 3, saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Rightaway we see that those who will be fortunate to be in the kingdom of heaven are those who are poor in spirit. What we’d like to understand now is what He means by ‘poor in the spirit.’
By this Jesus refers not to those who are poor in purse but to those
- who do not see themselves as self-sufficient
- who truly depend on God for help: they mean and say, ‘I lift up my eyes to the hills from where my help comes. My help come from the Lord who made heaven and earth …’ Psalm 121
- who do not see themselves as perfect – like the rich man in Luke 18:10-14
There are Churches like the one in Laodicea who think they have no needs, because of their wealth and renown (Rev. 3:14-19). Jesus wrote a letter to such churches and individuals – indicating that they are arrogant spiritually, rejecting dependence upon God for their needs as advised in Matt. 7:7
I can understand why Jesus says it is the poor in spirit who will have the kingdom of heaven. Take for example a former angel who was not poor in spirit, exhibiting pride and arrogance: God drove him out of heaven. His name is Lucifer, the one we call Satan or Devil today. Please be careful and note that only the humble can enter into or stay in heaven (See Isa. 14:12-17), regardless of what status one has in this present world.
God is only interested in the humble. “Though the Lord is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar.” (Psalm 138:6 NKJV)
Isa. 66:2 says, “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.”
Come brethren, let us repent of our arrogance; the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Ask for a contrite spirit, the Lord will give you now.
You may please visit www.thewayoutforyou.com or www.wosem.orgfor more teachings of God’s words. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Dr. Abraham Obadare at 718.658.8981. God bless you.
