I am Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are the poor in Spirit” must be seen in the context of the Old Testament. An individual deprived of his inherited rights was considered poor. The inherited rights were focused on the land. The land was under God’s legal possession; He gave it to the whole people. Therefore, there were no poor. In the law, God made comprehensive provisions for the poor. God protected the widow and orphan having no land. The right of gleaning was granted to them. The “corners” of the fields were not to be reaped, nor all the grapes of the vineyard to be gathered, and the olive trees not to be beaten a second time. The fatherless and the widow were allowed to gather what was left. It was a provision of the Lord (Leviticus 19:9-10; Deuteronomy 24:19-21).
When Israel was exiled, they were considered to be in this state of poverty. They had no land; they were destitute and helpless. Why were they in exile? They ceased to realize they were totally dependent upon Jehovah. In their arrogance and pride, they turned to other gods. This only proved their “poverty.” The moment they ceased to recognize their helplessness, their circumstances proved it to them again. Israel had no chance of survival without their God. They were destitute and helpless.
This is the context of the first Beatitude. The poor are those totally destitute and helpless. They lack resource, inability in every area, and no hope. The only avenue of deliverance is God. Jesus came to be our source! I am a Jesus pusher!!!