"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:3-6)

"And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh." (Luke 6:20-21)

Jesus begins this truly powerful sermon in a very shocking way. He starts by describing the life condition of many of His disciples using terms like poor, hungry, and meek. However, rather than reminding them that these conditions are bad (and giving them an excuse to complain), He declares that these conditions are actually evidence of great blessing in their lives. If any or all these conditions are true, then the gospel is for you! (Isaiah 61:1-2) These are clear evidences of your merciful election by God!

Whether you are poor in spirit (downcast and depressed) or you are actually poor, the truth is that you a citizen of the kingdom of heaven and a joint heir of glory with Christ right now! (Philippians 3:20) Great joy and deliverance awaits you in glory and you can anticipate it with joy now.

If you mourn for sin or weep for loss, you will receive comfort. Or as it is recorded in Luke, you shall laugh!

These two conditions remind us that this place is not our home. Jesus reminds us in Luke that some people ARE comfortable here in this sin cursed earth and they will be poor and crying later. We don't want to be that way!

The blessing or happiness in being in these two conditions is that the gospel is for you!

It is only those who have a sense of sin and its wretched effects that have a great Physician! (Matthew 9:9-13)

While we are reminded that we have a low estate here in this world, it is to those very people that the gospel declares, "behold your God!" And shows what wondrous acts of grace in salvation through Jesus Christ He has done for us. (Isaiah 40:9)

I’m reminded of the word of an great,old hymn:

Poor, weak, and worthless though I am,
I have a rich Almighty Friend!
Jesus, the Savior is His name.
He freely loves and without end.