Lent

[ladylovesJesus]

Word -on -the -web

21 February 2007 - Ash Wednesday
Praying, Giving and Receiving - a special series for Lent on Matthew's Gospel, written by Peter Graystone

Matthew 5:3
[Jesus said,] 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.'

What a surprising thing for Jesus to say! 'Congratulations!' to those who want to be part of a perfect, heavenly kingdom, but haven't got a clue how they can earn their place. Be happy, says Jesus, because it is at the very moment that you realise that you can do nothing to take you to heaven that God steps in and does all it takes.

Jesus taught that people who are striving and straining to buy their way in by being good are missing the point. Those who know they cannot earn God's approval, and so turn instead to begging for it, are the ones who will inherit the kingdom.

 

[DrBubbaLove]

As the ash on my forehead are meant to remind me of the seal of Baptism and to encourage me to adopt an attitude of prayer, repentence and humility, can see the connection with the beatitude of the poor in spirit.

 

[Chad]

Good point sister LLJ. Salvation is a gift from GOD by His grace alone in Jesus Christ. We can do nothing but have faith in Him.