Tenth Church Sermons The Truly Great Recognise Their Essential Poverty
Feb 22, 2015
A look at what 'blessed' really means and how divine blessing can change a person’s status. A close read of which kind of 'poor' Jesus meant and why utter dependence on God matters. Personal stories of conversion, suffering, and family show how helplessness can deepen love and spark new beginnings. Reflections on wealth, spiritual dryness, and finding God through need.
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Blessed Means God Changes Your Reality
- Jesus's word blessed (makarios) means God changes your reality, not just describes it.
- Ken Shigematsu illustrates with biblical and secular examples (Jacob's blessing, a judge's ruling, an umpire calling strikes) to show blessing delivers a new state.
Blessed People Are 'Lucky Bums' In God's Kingdom
- Ken emphasizes blessed people are 'lucky bums' because Jesus's blessing places you in his kingdom and presence.
- He cites Karl Barth's translation and examples of life-changing admissions (school, marriage, jobs).
Poor In Spirit Means Total Dependence
- Jesus uses a term for the utterly destitute who depend on something beyond themselves when he says poor in spirit.
- Ken contrasts two Greek words for poor and explains Jesus means those so needy they must rely on God.