In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus spoke:
1 And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him.
2 Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Jesus spoke about people being blessed resulting in: inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven, receiving comfort, and inheriting the earth. The challenge in understanding these blessings comes from the use of the English words: poor, mourn, and meek. These words do not really fit the context of what Jesus was proclaiming as blessings nor do the results tie to our current use of these three words.
I would suggest that if “poor in spirit” were to be translated as “simple and uncomplicated” we would embrace the intent of the blessing. Jesus affirmed this when He spoke in Matthew chapter 18:
2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,
3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
Jesus spoke again in Matthew 19:
14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
If there is anyone who lives a simple and uncomplicated life, it is a child. The child has not been tainted by the traditions of man and does not attempt to over analyze everything in life. Most children are quick to accept the simplicity of an answer and do not attempt to complicate situations. They are quick to forgive and have no lingering bitterness in their hearts. They are the essence of “simple and uncomplicated”.
We generally attach a negative connotation to the word “mourning” in relation to loss. Jesus was not being negative but instead was conveying a Truth in this blessing. In this verse let us read it as “Blessed are those who purge and release, for they shall be comforted”. We become attached to others as well as “things” and must be willing to let go when the time comes. We must purge ourselves of any attachment which would prevent us from living in the “here and now”. We must trust FATHER will take care of our loved ones as they release their physical bodies and HE embraces them in HIS Love. We must release them so that we can move forward and continue in our individual callings. We should not feel guilt or sadness if we truly believe they are in a better state with FATHER.
When we purge and release anything in the past, it allows us to move forward without looking back. The purging process is a healing process and we must let our emotions heal after any loss.
In today’s usage of the word “meek” it simply does not fit the blessing of inheriting the earth. However “living in moderation” provides us with the intent of the blessing. In Psalms chapter 37 we find:
11 But the meek shall inherit the earth,
And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
The “meek” are contrasted from the wicked in this chapter. The wicked men plot to destroy, go to war, borrow and not repay, whereas the steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and delights in his way. Those who live in moderation and walk by THE SPIRIT will be the inheritors of the earth. They do not hoard neither do they live a life of greed. Jesus never walked in scarcity nor did He seek reputation but simply lived in moderation.
Moderation allows the flow to remain in balance at all times, maintaining equilibrium and not moving to extremes. We should never attempt to take on more than we can handle. Some people can handle more than others, especially in the area of finances. We must not let our soulish man dictate our needs and desires for they would move to the extreme. Living in moderation brings forth an abundance of peace and blessing.