Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
REFLECTION
This is the first of the beatitudes and that is for a reason: we must approach God not with moral virtue, not with religious performance, and not trusting in our ability to achieve…but with need. Deep-seated, honest, broken-hearted need. For forgiveness, for hope, for spiritual strength. For a Savior! We must acknowledge our own brokenness and sin nature before we can hear and follow Jesus. That is why this verse is the key we need to unlock the Sermon on the Mount.
Jesus reveals the truth of God’s kingdom. It is an upside-down kingdom from any this world knows; it is not made up of citizens…but of subjects. We do not deserve to enter by being impressive, but by being dependent. God’s kingdom is not for the self-assured, but for those who have surrendered. We do not need to prepare for life in the kingdom – we simply have to arrive empty, trusting in God alone to fill us up, for Jesus to lead us, and for the Holy Spirit to make us whole.
PRAYER: Lord, we need you. We are spiritually bankrupt. We have no hope in our piety, our works before men, or our own understanding. We are poor in spirit and can only be made whole by your grace and love. We want, above all else, to enter into your kingdom and live in your light. Make us acceptable and lead us home, Lord. AMEN
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