Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

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

Captain Scott O’ Grady’s world came crashing down, literally, on June 2, 1995, when the instrument panel of the F-16 he was flying lit up like a Christmas tree. A missile had struck his plane over Bosnia. As Scott hit the ground and ran for cover, his world would never be the same. In his book, Return With Honor, he said, "As I huddled in the Bosnian woods, I didn’t feel like Captain O’Grady, fighter pilot. I was just a scared guy named Scott, getting by on his wits...My priorities were slapped into line during that week in June." Yes, he was dramatically rescued, but according to his own confession, those seven days when he was hunted like an animal changed his life and his priorities.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Scott O’Grady understands what poverty of spirit is because he’s been there. In all his life he never had so little but discovered so much. He learned that man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.

I hope you will never face such traumas as did Scott, but if you are to inherit the kingdom of God, you must, nonetheless, experience the same poverty of spirit that confronted this young pilot.

What was Jesus talking about when He used that expression "poor in spirit?" Poverty of spirit and poverty-stricken are not the same thing. Jesus is not saying that being poor is a great asset. But He is saying that those who are destitute of resources and strength and cannot help themselves are candidates for God’s help. Jesus is ready to bring His kingdom to their hearts and blessing to their lives.

Most of us, however, find it very difficult to bring ourselves to realize that we are, spiritually destitute, that we have exhausted our resources, and that God is our only hope. We try to fix things ourselves instead of saying, "God, this is absolutely beyond me. I am completely incapable of handling this. I throw myself on Your mercy and want Your help."

Are you beginning to understand what being poor in spirit is about? It is the profound realization that your resources are depleted, that you no longer have a quick fix or a simple solution, that there is no hope apart from God.

As a beggar knocking on heaven’s door, you will be met by the Prince of Peace Himself who will not turn you away but will open the door and bless you. Jesus said it Himself, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Don’t take my word for it. Reflect on this first great promise in Matthew 5.

Resource Reading: Matthew 5:31-48