This Side Of HeavenSample

Poor in Spirit 

The beatitudes are 9 verses (Matt 5:3-11) which follow a certain pattern. Each beatitude starts with a phrase with “blessed” or “favored” (makarioi), followed by a phrase with “for” (hoti). The first beatitude is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt 5:3). Some people may think of the beatitudes as prescriptions or conditions for believers in order to obtain the Kingdom and salvation. Yet, that would signify a salvation based on works! Hence, it appears the beatitudes are in fact a description of who we are as God’s Kingdom people. 

When we are in the Kingdom, we are (present tense) poor in spirit. Being ‘poor in spirit’ signifies that we realize our lack when we stand in the presence of God. We realize our own spiritual condition because while we may have every earthly need and want, we realize we have nothing apart from Him nor do we have anything to offer. This is where James 4:6 (cf. 1 Pet 5:5) comes in, which writes: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The proud, those who do not think of themselves as poor in spirit, are far from God. But those who are close to God are poor in Spirit. To be poor in spirit is the first mark of a person who lives near God.

Prayer: Jesus, You have everything and there is nothing I can give to please You, but I offer You my body as a living sacrifice and as an act of worship. Not because You ask me to, but I want to. Lord, I trust that You will provide for all my needs as I come before you in faith and not fear. I fully believe and I fully receive. Knowing that I am poor in spirit, I boast about nothing but You. Thank you Jesus. Amen.