Poor in Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:3
I am beginning to study in depth the Sermon on the Mount as accounted in the gospel of Matthew. This morning as I examined the first “blessing”, God taught me many things through Jesus’ words to his disciples and the crowds. Blessed are the poor in spirit; “poor in spirit” is also translated “not spiritually arrogant”. God pierced my heart with that clarification. Am I arrogant in my spirituality? Is my Christianity used as a means for pride and boasting? I surely hope not.
If we look deeper into the context of the times when Jesus first uttered these words, we learn that the law and the attitude of the Pharisees was the only thing the people recognized as something that could recommend them to God. The arrogance and legalism of the “men of God” was viewed as holiness and a funnel for God’s blessing.
But this did not impress Jesus. He loved the weak – the dependent. The “poor in spirit” actually had what Jesus valued: humility, weakness, dependance. (And He still loves that today…) Imagine the wonder of the people, the common man, as they heard Jesus speak this. Do you think they might have looked around at each other and said, “Hey, He means us! Did you hear that? We can have His blessing!”
When we are at our lowest most humble place, God looks down with favor. When we are weak, then He is strong. This is a classical biblical truth. God loves the poor in spirit, because He can work most mightily in their lives and receive the most glory. Grace and power are revealed… and isn’t it beautiful?
*Photography by Courtney*
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Filed under: Devotional Life, Reflections on June 25th, 2008
I'm Kaysie, 22. Jesus follower. Lover of sunshine, trees, hot tea, books, music, family, the gospel, poetry and Barnes and Nobles. Has a weird obsession with paper. Over-analyzes almost everything. Adores simplicity. Lucky for you. 
I think it’s easy to do…to get people to look at how spiritual we are. Thanks for the post.
This was a perfect reminder for me today, Kaysie. Thank you.
Thank you for this post, Kaysie. I know I often become self-righteous and arrogant about my own “godliness.” Humility and total dependence on God sounds so relieving and freeing, but it’s just so difficult to actually put it into practice!
I am right with you Brianna!