Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit! Because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Blessed are those who mourn! for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek! for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness! for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful! for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart! Because they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers! for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake! Because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. (Matthew 5:3-10 Union Version)
The Beatitudes are about eternal happiness, not temporary happiness in this world.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Humility is the glory of creation. Because they honestly see their inner needs. When God created man, man had the need to be close to God. When man fell into sin, he was separated from God. From then on we were spiritually unsatisfied. There is none righteous, not even one. (Romans 3:10) People who are poor in spirit realize their sin, weakness, and corruption, and come before God, admitting their sin and powerlessness, and admitting that they need God’s salvation. Such people will gain God’s mercy and enter the kingdom of God.
1. The prayers of the Pharisees and tax collectors.
"Two men went up to the temple to pray: one was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself: 'God, I thank you, I am not like other people who are extortioners, unjust, or adulterers, and I am not like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of everything I get. ' The tax collector stood at a distance, looking up to heaven. He did not dare, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" I tell you, this man went home justified than the other; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled. He who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14 Union Version)
2. The two thieves who were crucified with Jesus.
One of the two criminals who were crucified together laughed at him and said, "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" The other one rebuked him and said, "You are also suffering the punishment. , Aren’t you afraid of God? We should, because what we receive is worthy of what we do, but this man has not done anything bad.” He said, “Jesus, when your kingdom comes. , please remember me!” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 Union Version)
O God. ! I want to be a person who surrenders to God, and I ask the Lord to help me to make my reason, will, emotion, knowledge, ability, and experience all surrender to God’s sovereignty. In particular, my reason must be surrendered to you. Please have mercy on the Lord and help me to simply trust God like a child. May the Lord’s Holy Spirit always remind me and guide me to come to the Lord.