THE BEATITUDES - PART 1

Matthew 5:3 Amplified Bible (AMP)

The Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes

3 “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].”

In the coming weeks, we will be studying each of the Beatitudes and expand on their meaning and how it applies to our lives.

Let’s go back into the Old Testament and how in spite of Israel’s rebelliousness that did not stop God from vindicating His Name so that other nations would know He is God. The Ezekiel passage show how God will accomplish His Name vindication:

Ezekiel 36:25-27 Amplified Bible (AMP)

25 “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idols. 26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you, and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My ordinances and do them.”

God gave the Israelites a new spiritual heart which would enable them to love and obey God. This was a blessing from God to the Israelites and it was done during the 70 year captivity of Israel by the Babylonians. In other words, even though Israel was captive in a foreign land, God still believed He can work out a blessing and accomplish Glory to Himself. 

Fast forward to Jesus’ time and Jesus is reminding His disciples what it takes to be part of the kingdom of heaven.  

God does not leave us without hope even in the deepest sins/rebellion we do. He still offers forgiveness and hope if we choose to do His will.

Stay In His Love…

#stayinhislove