www.bible.com/1713/mat.5.3.csb
What exactly is the Kingdom of Heaven? Scholars have pondered this for centuries and they are still trying to work it out, so don’t fear if you don’t have an answer right away. The top contenders are the Church, Heaven itself, and the Universe. I’m sure there are others. And it would take more study than we have here to come close to a definitive answer. But let’s take a look at those who will inherit it.
Jesus says “blessed are the poor (and/or in spirit)” depending on whether you are reading Luke or Matthew. Luke says the poor are blessed. Matthew says the poor in spirit are. The poor refers to the economically deprived, while Matthew refers to the spiritually deprived. So who is more blessed? Who is meant to receive the blessing here? I don’t think it’s any great mystery, as the poorest are those without spiritual wealth. Those who don’t know God are the poorest of all. And those are the ones who would benefit the most from God’s kingdom.
It’s a simplistic answer, but if you are poor in spirit, it is a welcome one. Does this help us understand the Kingdom of Heaven? A little bit, since it tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven enriches those with spiritual lack. It is akin to Jesus’ words to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Jesus rule and reign was never intended to be a physical throne over a physical realm. His kingdom was of the spiritual, which surpasses physical borders and cannot be resisted with physical weapons. It is both intangible and formidable.
If you are poor in spirit, you are invited to become a part of the most powerful kingdom in earth. This kingdom is ruled by a benevolent ruler who gave His own life so that you could be a part of it. You are invited because you matter to Him. The price of citizenship in this kingdom is your faith and loyalty, your fealty to its King. Submit to baptism as a sign of your faith, and you will be given its keys, the Holy Spirit. The choice lies with you.
Dear Father, Holy Son and King of Heaven, may you hear my humble request to be. Part of Your kingdom. I don’t have much but myself, but I will give You all I have to live with You eternally. I both honor You and Love You Lord Jesus, because You have Your all to Me. Thank You Jesus for my life. In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Meritt Musings 