April
5, 2003
BLESSED
ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
"Then
He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, 'Blessed are
the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' "
(Matthew 5:2, 3, NKJV).
"In
the days of Christ the religious leaders of the people felt
that they were rich in spiritual treasure. The prayer of the
Pharisee, "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest
of men" (Luke 18:11, RV), expressed the feeling of his
class and, to a great degree, of the whole nation. But to
the throng that surrounded Jesus there were some who had a
sense of their spiritual poverty. When in the miraculous draft
of fishes the divine power of Christ was revealed, Peter fell
at the Saviour's feet, exclaiming, 'Depart from me; for I
am a sinful man, O Lord' (Luke 5:8)...
"Jesus
had presented the cup of blessing to those who felt that they
were 'rich, and increased with goods' (Revelation 3:17), and
had need of nothing, and they had turned with scorn from the
gracious gift. He who feels whole, who thinks that he is reasonably
good, and is contented with his condition, does not seek to
become a partaker of the grace and righteousness of Christ.
Pride feels no need, and so it closes the heart against Christ
and the infinite blessings He came to give. There is no room
for Jesus in the heart of such a person. Those who are rich
and honorable in their own eyes do not ask in faith, and receive
the blessing of God. They feel that they are full, therefore
they go away empty. Those who know that they cannot possibly
save themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action,
are the ones who appreciate the help that Christ can bestow.
They are the poor in spirit, whom He declares to be blessed...
"Whatever
may have been your past experience, however discouraging your
present circumstances, if you will come to Jesus just as you
are, weak, helpless, and despairing, our compassionate Saviour
will meet you a great way off, and will throw about you His
arms of love and His robe of righteousness. He presents us
to the Father clothed in the white raiment of His own character.
He pleads before God in our behalf, saying: 'I have taken
the sinner's place. Look not upon this wayward child, but
look on Me"--Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing,
pp., 6, 7, 9.
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