The Spiritually Poor 

“Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!”
Matthew 5:3 (AMP)

They say that the gap between the rich and the poor is getting small, but I guess, like many of us, I remain unconvinced!

There is certainly one area in which we all remain poor, whether we realize it or not. In the passage above Jesus is addressing those who follow him, and he begins by discussing the idea of spiritual poverty. The Expanded Bible translation of the verse is: “They are blessed who realize their spiritual poverty for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”

The implication is that the world’s philosophies and wisdoms about spirituality are of little value. In effect we should realize that we are spiritually in need. The God’s Word version of the verse is: “Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually helpless. The kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”

Without Jesus that is exactly what we are: spiritually impoverished, helpless and hopeless, in need of intervention. The problem is that sometimes we don’t grasp this and we rate ourselves spiritually superior to others.

It’s when we realize that, spiritually speaking, we can’t rest on our own strength, that our trust in Jesus grows stronger. The kingdom of heaven is full of those who depend spiritually on him, and who understand that without Jesus they are nothing.

That realization, says Jesus, is the beginning of satisfaction and happiness in life.

Let’s be poor in spirit – trust in Jesus alone.

Prayer
Wonderful Father, help me to understand my need for Jesus, and to rely spiritually on him. In Jesus name.
Amen 

Study by James Henderson

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About the Author:
James Henderson is the National Ministry Leader for Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland.  You are welcome to attend any of our local congregations.  For details of your nearest local congregation, check on our website, www.wcg.org.uk under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Contact:
Email:  admin@daybyday.org.uk