Good morning.
Looking at the beatitudes again, I, Mike, was challenged afresh by the depth of meaning contained in them.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3)
Someone once asked Billy Graham what did Jesus mean by we ought to be poor in spirit and shouldn't we strive to be rich in spirit? Graham brilliantly responded with the following:
"What did He mean? Simply this: We must be humble in our spirits. If you put the word “humble” in place of the word “poor,” you will understand what He meant.
In other words, when we come to God, we must realize our own sin and our spiritual emptiness and poverty. We must not be self-satisfied or proud in our hearts, thinking we don’t really need God. If we are, God cannot bless us. The Bible says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6)."
Pondering this beatitude made me realise the significance of what Peter had to say.
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)
As we worship God together today, come with a humble heart.
Blessings.
Mike and Daphne
Comments