Blessed are the Poor

"Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

(Matthew 5:3, ESV)

In the story of the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-30), Jesus teaches the disciples the importance of poverty, or humility, in our faith walk.  We find that the young man walked away "sorrowful, for he had great possessions" (v. 22, ESV).  

In Revelation 3, Jesus confronts the Laodecian church similarly: "You say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked..." (v. 17, ESV).  And in Galatians, "If anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (6:3, ESV). 

Oftentimes, as leaders in our homes and communities, it is easy to teach others and to be eager for more responsibility.  Let us not neglect, however, to cultivate our secret place in prayer, where we daily confess our sins to God, and seek His will for our homes, spouses and children.  

Our ability to stop, sabbath, and rest daily in God has direct implications on our ability to keep in step with God and not grow cold or walk away from him.  As we cultivate our houses of prayer, remember: God is still in charge and we must daily, "buy from (Him) gold refined by fire" (Revelation 3:18, ESV).  He is our Source and we would do well to return to him individually and collectively every day!  God promises we will be blessed in doing so!