August 04, 2020
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
We are enamored by wealth. Commercials promise it, television shows us the biggest homes and fanciest cars, and we are amazed. Wall street records the richest business tycoons. But we are using a false measure of wealth.
The humblest believer who has recognized his poverty and come to Christ and received salvation has more than the wealthiest among us. No man of supposed wealth owns an earthly kingdom. But we have the kingdom of heaven!
NO PIPE DREAM
This is not just a sentimental statement of reality by the One-Who-Owns-Everything. He is stating a fact that, if understood, would change everything about us. We HAVE the Kingdom and to have it is to have everything.
We have HIM
The Kingdom exists where the King exists. So to have the Kingdom is to have Christ Himself and to know that He has you. If you have Christ, you have everything that matters and lasts. Wisdom, life, provision--all is provided in Him in inexhaustible measure. You will never lack for Him again.
We have HEAVEN
Not only do we have heaven when we die, but we have total access through prayer, the Word, and the Spirit right now. We can look into heaven and find direction, comfort, leadership—all we need. See Colossians 3:1-4 to understand how this functions. Or simply look at the God-initiated life of Jesus to see how He lived simultaneously in both kingdoms.
We have a FAMILY
We have been adopted by God Himself and can know cry, “Abba, Father!” We have Christ as our Elder Brother and every true believer is our truest brother and sister. We will never lack for family again!
We have PROTECTION
Not guns and security, but something far greater: God. He is a shield about us. “No weapon formed against us” can prosper. No enemy—even the devil himself—cannot fall under the faithful resistance of the humblest believer!
The list could go on and on as long as the heavens. And, not to be taken lightly, we have an inheritance from God which is “imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-4-5).
If you know Christ, don’t be confused and walk around like a pauper. Also, don’t spend your earthly days longing for the trinkets of this world. They are worthless compared to what you already possess. You are richer than you know.
And don’t worry—about tomorrow, about what you need. “Your Father knows you need these things … so seek first the kingdom … and all will be added to you!” Jesus promised (Matthew 6:25-33).
And walk out of the toy section (the hunt for cars, and houses, and lands, and electronics). “You will inherit the earth,” your King has promised. How foolish to fixate on the minors when you own the store with Christ.
Father, thank You for adopting me! And, in the equation, making me an heir and joint heir with Christ. Help me to see this and realize what I have. Let me not shame You with my senseless worry or feverish desire for the world’s things, when You have given me everything! Deliver me from the petty search for this world that is fading away. Let me relax in Your arms and enjoy what I now possess, full of faith. And, let me live my life to lead others to You and to the riches they will have when they have YOU alone!
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
