The King’s surprising blessing for the spirit and soul poor
We come to a new series on a passage of Scripture beloved by Christians down the ages. Namely, the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.1-12. In the midst of the struggle, distress, and joy of our lives in this world, this Scripture brings soul strength. Hope. A vision of a life conformed to the beautiful, beautiful, character of Jesus. And: the promise of God’s favour as we conform to Jesus.
This Sunday, the first Beatitude:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
To be ‘poor in spirit’ means to be aware of our great need of God’s renewing work. Our utter dependency on God to renew our human spirit, heart and soul. It is the opposite of self sufficiency, the opposite of pride.
In Christ we are blessed, renewed now and granted entry into the coming kingdom, when we are honest about our utter need. We are promised entry into that future reality of utter bliss: followers of Jesus beholding -and transformed by- our glorious king, unveiled in all his perfections.
Reflection Questions
Blessed are the poor in spirit: Matthew 5.3
1. Read Matthew 5.1-12. Which of the beatitudes have been particularly meaningful in your life, and why?
2. As we read the Bible, or secular perspectives on the good life, we become aware that there are three main ways to understand the good.
Ways of discerning the good:
The three Cs: Commands. Consequences. Character.
When focusing on commands we focus on rules and duties that apply to human beings. Command ethics. But the problem with only focussing in commands or duties, is that commands alone are not very motivating! Everyone who lived through COVID restrictions that were over harsh, knows how uninspiring commands alone are.
Another approach is by focussing on consequences. This means asking- how does a behaviour impact others, the world, present and future generations? Our debate about moving to renewable energy sources (away from coal fire stations to wind, hydro, solar) is a debate about consequences. If we keep burning fossil fuels what consequences will that have for future generations? Based on our appraisal of consequences we may decide what a good course of action is now. This is the most common way people decide right and wrong today. Our many codes of ethics in our modern professions focus on consequences- chiefly the consequence of first doing no harm to others, especially to those with less power.
Enter the third way we way have to consider how to live. That being by addressing our character. Many sages across all cultures and times write about character, virtue. Character. How should we be in this difficult world? What dispositions of heart, attitudes, and patterns of behaviour, should we have? What is a good character?
2.a As you think about how to live, do you naturally use God’s commands, appraisal of consequences, or virtues, to guide you?
2.b Can you think of parts of the New Testament where either of the three Cs are emphasised?
3. What are the dangers, or limitations, of only focussing on commands or consequences?
4. Read Psalm 84 & 130. How does these (or other similar Psalms) capture what it means to be poor in spirit?
5. Jesus perfectly models the character he commends in Matthew 5.1-12. Where do we seen him act with poverty of spirit in the Gospels?
6. Spend some time praying for the Lord to enrich our impoverished spirits, renew heart and soul.