“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” St. Matthew 5:3 (KJV)
Possessing the Kingdom . . . ownership in the Kingdom . . . citizenship in Heaven. Our imaginations fail us, for “it is written, ‘Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him'” (1Co 2:9 KJV). This point usually sidetracks most people. Despite this Scripture, people try to imagine what it will be like. Yet, the point is not to create imaginations, but rather to encourage desire for going there. No matter what heaven is like, don’t you want to be one of its citizens?
Citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven is not about material prosperity or poverty. It is not about how much you possess or can possess. It is also not about spiritual weakness or immaturity. Being poor in spirit is about possessing heavenly citizenship. Its about total dependence on God. It is about freedom from arrogance and pride. It is about humility. We cannot save ourselves . . . total dependence on Christ. We cannot force our way through the pearly gates . . . Christ is the “Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
We acknowledge our insufficiency before God and are blessed to possess the Kingdom of Heaven. The attitude, “No problem, I don’t need anybody,” will keep us from enjoying the citizenship promised by Christ in today’s passage. Humbly submitting our attitudes to God and placing our lives in His hands is what true Kingdom living is all about.
Dear Father, thank you for your gift of heaven’s citizenship. Enable us to walk humbly before you in the Spirit and for your glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in heaven’s citizenship,