This is the third of an eleven-part series on the Beatitudes.
Each part features a hymn to a familiar tune.

Jesus’ first beatitude is this:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Matthew 5:3, NASB)

God has decreed the well-being of those who are poor in spirit. His sovereign word says they will have abundant life, and that they will be “prosperous” and “successful” in an ultimate sense, beyond mere money. But what does it mean to be “poor in spirit”?

To be poor is to lack possessions. To be poor in regards to spirit is to have a spirit, or a heart, that lacks possessions; a spirit that does not “possess” or claim ownership of anything; a spirit with no wealth, no glory, no will or way or strength of its own.

Such a spirit is what we had in Eden before the fall. Then we were surrounded by God’s abundant gifts, but none of them had taken root in our hearts. We possessed nothing. We clung to nothing. We claimed ownership of nothing. God was all-in-all, and our spirits, hearts, and desires were reserved for Him.

When we are again poor in spirit, possessing nothing as our own, we are free to cling to God alone. When we do, we enjoy all things in Him. All He has, all He is, His entire Kingdom is ours, and we are entirely His.

Blessed indeed is such a person!

Listen…and sing if you want:
Hymn: Poor in Spirit
Recording
Printed Music & Lyrics