Matthew 5:3 ( ESV )
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The word picture for poor here is that of a
beggar who is ashamed to look up. He is a person who sees himself as one who is
spiritually bankrupt and hungers for the things of God. He knows who he is in
comparison to the God that he comes before and like Isaiah of old says, “Woe is
me for I am undone.” This is the man to whom the Lord is drawn to. Look at
these words also from the book of Isaiah 66:2,
“But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in
spirit and trembles at my word.”
·
As I read this passage I am also reminded of the
deep contrast of that day between the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in Luke 18:9-14. This teaching flew in the faces of
the Pharisees and the false teachers of the day. Even now as we see the day of
Christ approaching we see how this seems so strange to the world and its
standards today. II Timothy 3:2
·
One of the first things that happens to a man
when he comes to salvation is that of true humility. For the first time we truly
see ourselves for who we are and that we cannot obtain salvation through
anything that we do. In the words of my brothers from Haiti, “We bow our knee
to the ground.” We come to a point where we know that I will never be good
enough and that we are corrupt and only the blood of Jesus can forgive us of
our sins.
Matthew 5:4 ( ESV )
·
I like the old Arab proverb that says the
following thing, “All sunshine makes a desert.” Does this verse mean that Jesus
wants us to be an unhappy people? No!! There are two possible thoughts that
maybe true about those who mourn and I believe that in the context of the
passage both fit. 1. These are those who are persecuted for their faith and are
weeping over what is happening. 2. They are weeping over how their sin has
affected their God as well as others. This does not mean that God is pleased
when we just emotionally weep over our sin. (Keep in mind what it says about an
Esau type of remorse.) but, we are emotionally broken over our sin and
repentance flows from our hearts. A good cross reference at this point would be
that of David in Psalms 51.
·
Note that it says, “they shall be comforted.”
This does not mean that we will immediately be comforted but we shall be.
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How are we comforted? One, while we are here on earth we maybe
comforted by fellow believers and most importantly of all by the Holy Spirit
Himself who is called the Comforter.( This
has been so true at so many times in our walk. A brother’s word of
encouragement or the Spirit’s comfort has brought so much joy at just the right
moment.) Secondly, I believe that true comfort will come to all believers when
they reach their heavenly home. All tears will finally be wiped away. No more
sorrow, death or pain will ever touch us again.
Matthew 5:5 ( ESV )
·
Who in the world are the Meek? Are these just
people who lay down or what? The word meek was used for a wild horse that was
broken is now reigned in by his master. He is still strong and powerful but his
power is under the control of his master. These are the people who are Spirit
controlled and practice self-control. It is not about me but rather others. I
do not have to assert myself among those around me. How many leaders, pastors,
employers and others truly live this lifestyle before the ones who are under
their authority. Did not Jesus say that to those who would be great you must learn
first of all to be a servant?
·
The above is not the way of the world. Think
about how the world tells us how we are to dominate others and to make
ourselves known. Yet, this was a mark of Jesus life in that He was known for
His gentleness. Matt. 21:4-5 Moses was known
for his kindness to others in Numbers 12:3.
A meek person will always be looking out for others rather than what they can
get out of someone.
·
Man has always gained ground through violence
and warfare, through domination and cruelty. The wild part is that the believer
who is meek will eventually inherit the earth. They will also accordingly to Ps. 37:11 find an abundance of peace.
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