The Rich and The Poor

     Bitter to sweet, proud to humble, rich to poor? What would your answer be if asked to choose between being rich or poor? “I’ll choose rich!” We might envision more than enough money, more than enough food, a nice home, not a worry in the world, right? Jesus speaks to us in a spiritual language. In His first sermon in Matthew 5, we hear what are called the Beatitudes (some say “Be Attitudes.”) And the first is:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

     We are blessed to be poor in spirit. The meaning of this word is “like a beggar.” Recognizing our need for Jesus, recognizing the sin that separates us from a holy God, brings us to a wretched place of need. That may be why the next Beatitude is:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

     We grieve over our sin, our brokenness and become beggars before Him, crying for mercy. And what did Jesus do for us?

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you, through His poverty, might become rich.  2 Corinthians 2:9

     He took the punishment and made us rich in spirit. For your sake and for mine He became poor. We are comforted. We will inherit heaven! The poor have become rich in the way that matters most. He gives us enough; our daily bread, forgiveness, His protection, and His glory. Forever! We are rich!

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows) John 10:10 Amplified Bible

Dear Jesus,

Your desire for us is to empty ourselves before You. Take our sin, our grief, our guilt and turn them into joy and comfort and peace. You give us the abundant life to enjoy. We are rich indeed.

Amen