January 12, 2002

BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT

"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, KJV).

"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"--Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, pp., 7.