3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven – Matthew 5:3
There are nine “blessed” statements that make up the Beatitudes of Jesus. Perhaps there are no more powerful teaching than His sermon from the Mount. In these words, we hear the heart of our Lord as well as a key to a better life. They are upside down and illogical in parts; they go against many of our American values.
What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? Wouldn’t our Lord want us to be strong in our spirit? The answer is a resounding no. For it is when our souls are at their worst – or more importantly the most leveled – that God is truly free to work. Any time His followers exhibit a strength rooted in themselves, there is no room for Him. “Poor in spirit” means an accurate assessment of the eternal nature of our soul devoid of our Father. The ear of the saint is forever close to the Father’s heart. There is to be no presupposition, hypocrisy, or rugged individualism within us. Blessed are the humble. Blessed are the transparent. Blessed are those with flattened spirits. These are the ones who give space to the empowering breath of the Lord our God.
If the power of our God is found in our weakness, then why not boast in our weakness?
A poor spirit is a spirit in need.
Lord, may you find in us a broken spirit. Bring your humble strength into our lives and bones. Have your way with us and may we never stand in opposition.
Matt simon blog 