|
|
August 19, 2008
The Poor in Spirit
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3
The Bible presents many paradoxes that challenge our human way of thinking. We think of the
poor as possessing very little, yet Jesus said the riches of heaven belong to the poor in
spirit. Self-reliance robs us of God's good gifts.
Jesus insisted that in order to follow Him we must deny self. As long as we rely on our own
resources, we will never place our trust in Him. As we acknowledge the poverty of our souls,
we realize how desperately we need a Savior. Jesus declared: "Repent! For the kingdom of
heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17). God has so much to give the one who recognizes his need
and will call upon Jesus!
Jesus said it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich
person to enter the kingdom of God. He had just encountered the rich ruler, who valued his
possessions so much that he could not give them up to follow Jesus (Luke 18:18-24). Jesus
later encountered Zaccheus, a wealthy, notorious sinner (Luke 19:1-10). Despite Zaccheus's
material wealth, he recognized his spiritual poverty and found salvation. Jesus taught the
disciples that true wealth is found in a relationship with God. Those who realize their
inherent spiritual poverty apart from God will trust in Him, and He will enrich their lives
immeasurably. Do not allow your resources, wisdom, talent, or abilities to prevent you from
trusting the Person who can bring you abundant life.
First
Previous
Calendar
Next
Today
|
|
|
