Understanding the beatitudes in Matt.5:1-12 requires us to comprehend the meaning of the term blessed. Many people think the word means "happy" but that view is inadequate.
Happiness,in an utimate sense,is certainly a part of being blessed by God, but divine blessing goes far beyond mere happiness. It involves God's favor, His willingness to come near and dwell among His people. This is the chief meaning of the Aaronic blessing in Num. 6:22-27. The hope of Israel was that God would shine His face on the people, that there wouild be close, fellowship between the creator and His creatures. The New Testament expands on this, revealing that our ultimate hope is the Beatific Vision-face-to-face communion with God and His glory in eternity(1Cor.13:12; 1Jn.3:2).
How do we enjoy the Lord's favor and experience a taste of His presence now, and then, for all eternity, the fullness of His glory? The answer is found in the very first beatitude.Jesus tells us that only the "poor in spirit" will receive the kingdom of heaven(Matt.5:3. Poverty in spirit is emptying of our self-reliance and claim we (falsely) believe to have on God. It is a recognition that we are utterly dependent on divine grace and undeserving of His favor. It is repentance for setting ourselves up as (gods)and then a resting in the Lord's promise of salvation.
This exerpt was borrowed from Tabletalk, a daily devotional magazine published by Ligonier Ministries.
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