Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

How often do we realize our insignificance? How frequently do we understand our limitations? We all have struggled with pride and hubris at times. We have all had our good days and our bad days, yet it is in that moment when we relearn anew our reliance on God that things work out. We love to quote Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Yet we often ignore the previous verse where Paul begins “I have learned how to be brought low, and I know how to abound” Paul speaks of having both nothing and everything. He speaks of being exalted and humbled, abased and adored. In all things he was learning to be content, satisfied, and saturated with God in every aspect of his life.

I like the way the New Century Version translates this passage “They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”

Christ came to preach to the poor and to heal the broken hearted (Isaiah 61:1). In response to the pharisees' question, Jesus stated that the healthy have no need of a doctor, but those who are sick need him (Mark 2:17) and why should the wedding guests be sad when the groom is present (Matthew 9:15).

When we relearn complete reliance on God, when we are at our worst, He is most significant in our lives. When we find that we have nothing left, He shows us everything we need. Blessed are the poor in spirit, Fortunate are those who have nothing of themselves left to use and must rely completely on God's strength. This is when they, when we shall see the expansion of God's kingdom. The only way to get through the mud and muck and grime of daily life to the green grass, the shade-giving trees, and the wonderful feast awaiting us is to slog through it, to push through it, and when all our strength is gone and we have barely budged an inch, to let God's gentle, calloused, pierced, and strong hand grab ours, and let his stout legs push through the mud while he holds us close and pulls us through. At the end, we might say “We made it” but in actuality God did it, we were just there for the ride.

The poor in spirit have nothing of themselves left, and they realize this. It brings about a complete and utter reliance on God. The results of such is spectacular. Unlearned men, frightened and ashamed from the death of Christ, speak out and preach to multitudes. Even though death follows them one by one, they speak until the speak no more but instead see the face of their master. Men and women who have nothing but God left have changed the world: Dwight Moody, Oswald Chambers, Livingston, Watts, Foxe, Wesley, and the rest.

Chanina, a Rabbi and revered teacher once said “Why are the words of the Law compared to water? Because as waters flow from heights, and settle in low places, so the words of the Law rest only with him who is of an humble heart.”

I would paraphrase this verse “The poor in spirit will be blessed because they will see the coming of God's kingdom.” How is our spirit: receptive, poor, humble? Or are we instead dogmatic, superior, or overbearing?

I need Thee, precious Jesus, for I am very poor;
A stranger and a pilgrim, I have no earthly store.
I need the love of Jesus to cheer me on my way,
To guide my doubting footsteps, to be my strength and stay.