Title: Happiness of the Poor / Matthew 5:1~3
Contents The poor's happiness / Matthew 5:1~3
Key Verse: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (verse 3).
Word: All human beings want to live happily. But very few people live happily ever after. are you happy
Once upon a time, the London Times surveyed ‘the happiest person in the world’. The results were surprising. 1st place is a boy building sand bars for a girl on the beach, 2nd place is a mother bathing and breastfeeding a baby, 3rd place is a doctor who just leaves the operating room after saving a dying patient, and 4th place is a sweaty pottery craftsman It was. What does this mean? People who enjoy their duties with a poor heart without much greed are happy. After all, happiness is a state of mind, not an external condition. To be happy, you must first control your mind and thoughts.
In the text, the Lord says this as the greatest condition of happiness. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The ‘poverty’ in this case is so severe that it is impossible to survive without relying on outside help or mercy.
A person who is poor in spirit has four characteristics. Humility simple acceptance obedient person. He has nothing to brag about because he knows his faults, weaknesses, and limitations. If there is anything to be proud of, it is only Jesus. His life is simple. Willing to accept advice and help from others. Always obey the Lord's word with sincerity.
Are you really poor in spirit? Check whether you are poor in spirit or not by asking the following questions. Do I acknowledge human sinfulness and limitations? Do you appreciate advice or help? Do you genuinely recognize and respect your neighbors? Are you willing to obey authority? Do you earnestly pray for God's help? Only the truly poor can experience heaven and build it on this earth.
In 1890, there is this writing in the diary of Underwood, who was missionary in Joseon. "Five! Lord, I can't see anything now. All you can see is the Joseon people who are bound by darkness and poverty. They don't know why they're tied up or what the pain is. If you offer to take pain away from someone who doesn't know that pain is pain, you start off with suspicion and anger. Lord, we don't see what we have to do. But, Lord, I will obey. I believe that the day will come when you will start working in obedience and we will see what you are doing. It is now a place full of vigilance, suspicion, contempt and thousands, but I believe that it will soon become a land of grace. Lord, only keep my faith.”
Only those who are poor in spirit possess the kingdom of heaven, and through it, God's kingdom continues to expand on this earth today.
Prayer: Lord, empty our hearts full of worldly things so that we may become poor in spirit and follow you only with humility, simplicity, acceptance, and obedience. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer