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

I’ve always wondered about “poor in spirit” and what that meant. I notice some translations leave out “in the spirit” and just say the poor are blessed. That may be, but why did many translators include the rest?

I’m no Bible scholar, but my translation references the following verse from Isaiah:

“This is the Lord’s declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at my word.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭66‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

When Jesus was blessing the poor in spirit, I think He was thinking about this kind of person. And what is a blessing other than God looking favorably on me? There’s nothing better. The Author of time and space looks at me and is glad He made me. He wants to hang out with me so He blesses me with the kingdom of heaven so I can forever be His neighbor. That’s the best property to own.

There has been a lot of talk about generational wealth. And it’s a valid problem and important consideration. Inheriting property is a huge benefit to having a secure future. With any land, at least I have a place to live in relative peace. But the better the property, the better situated I am. If my inheritance is in a sulfur swamp, I might be able to make something of it. Maybe. But if my inheritance is on 5th Avenue in New York City with a sweeping view of Central Park, I will be pretty secure.

Even better than the best property you can think of on earth though is a plot in the kingdom of heaven. If I am poor in spirit, Jesus says He gives me the kingdom of heaven. The best inheritance ever. And every plot there is the best plot (somehow, through a miracle of God I don’t have to understand yet).

So how do I be “poor in spirit”? The best way to be humble and tremble at God’s word, as Isaiah described, is to remember exactly who God is. Just contemplate how vast and powerful and holy and beautiful He is compared with who I am, what I can do, what I have done… It’s very humbling. Job learned this when God came to Him in a whirlwind. He fell on his face and screamed, “Behold, I am insignificant!” When I compare myself to God, those are the words that come to my mind. And God blesses me there with an eternal inheritance on His property.

Dear God,

I am insignificant. And yet you notice me, love me, forgive me, and want to hang out with me. I don’t deserve it and could never earn your favor so thank you for bestowing it anyway. I look forward to inheriting a place next door to you in heaven. Remind me of my insignificance when I start being haughty or thinking I’m better than any of your other children.