TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
Read: Matthew 5:3
Listen: Matthew 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus teaches that the beginning of the blessed life starts with realizing we bring nothing, and God brings everything. For those who recognize they are poor in spirit, the kingdom of God is available right now. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” is the only Beatitude where Jesus speaks in the present tense. What is backward about this blessing is the one qualification for the kingdom is realizing a complete lack of qualification.
So then, how is having no qualifications a blessing? Because of Jesus. Entering God’s kingdom is based on Jesus’s worthiness and qualifications alone. We cannot impress or win over God through our own good deeds. Jesus’s perfect sacrifice on the cross is for everything we have ever done wrong. We become a part of God’s kingdom if we believe that and tell God we accept his payment for our sins. Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron Buer explains how Jesus forgives and restores us when we believe in him.
This true blessing means no pressure to impress, no scorecard and no insecurity of not being good enough. We are accepted solely on Jesus’s merit and not ours. When God looks at us, he sees the worthiness and perfection of Jesus now and for all eternity.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
The first step into God’s kingdom recognizes you bring nothing, and God brings everything. The next is telling Jesus you accept what he brings, believe he died on your behalf and want to follow his leadership. If you’ve had this conversation with God today or would like to discuss it further, we’d love to talk to you. Please email us at btw@adabible.org.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Romans 16.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
