Key Text: Matthew 5:3 KJV - Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Who are the poor in spirit? And what did Jesus mean by "the poor in spirit"? Poverty is synonymous with scarcity, deficiency, inadequacy, meagerness, lack, want, etc. The poor usually depend on others, even for the basic needs of life. Likewise, the poor in spirit are spiritually destitute and in need of the Lord's help. Jesus was referring to the spiritually thirsty and hungry who always look up to the Lord for sustenance.

Poverty in spirit means humility, especially humble subjection to God. Jesus Christ, our perfect example demonstrated poverty of spirit during His earthly ministry by depending upon His Father for every need. The Pharisees were not so: they were religious pretenders who were self-righteous and did not see the need to approach the Lord for salvation. They were satisfied with their spiritual state, thinking that they had what it takes to enter the kingdom of heaven. But except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus came for the poor in spirit, who are desperately in need of the Messiah. You are not there yet until you get to heaven. It is only the poor in spirit that will enter the kingdom of heaven, the self-righteous will not make it. We must therefore continuously depend upon the Lord for the grace and strength to run this race till the end. Do not be deceived, without Jesus you can do nothing.

Prayer: O Lord, I pray for thirst and hunger for righteousness, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall - 1 Corinthians 10:12.