Do we deserve the blessing?

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

What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?”

Of all of the beatitudes that Matthew provides in the opening of Chapter 5, perhaps this one does the most to show the amazing generosity of our Lord.   

Contrast it, for example, against the other beatitudes, in which the people who are being blessed are mourning or under persecution.  Or they are seeking peace and righteousness, being merciful and pure of heart.

In our human minds, we may rationalize that such folks deserve to be blessed – they have either been treated unfairly or are trying hard to do good things.  But poor in spirit?  This seems to include people who struggle deep in their souls to keep much goodness stored in them.  People who are failing to keep their thoughts pure and their actions good.   Do these people deserve a blessing?  And what kind?   No less than the Kingdom of Heaven?

I must admit that there was a period in my life when I felt my spirit was in a very poor condition. 

But it only makes God seem that much greater when we he reaches out to us when we least deserve it.  Jesus Christ took the action and paid our debt in its entirety.   No matter how poor we have been, or can still sometimes get, we are free to stand before God as his precious children.

Perhaps there is a reason why the “poor in spirit” beatitude is the first one.  All of the ensuing blessings are only possible because Christ first loved us.   

Prayer

 Dear Father.  Thank you for loving me unconditionally.  Please fill up my tank when I weaken in spirit.  Thank you for the rich blessings and the good works you have prepared for me in advance.  Amen.