Everyone wants to be happy, well off, well spoken of, enjoying life and favorable circumstances. The lie is that we can do this by our own efforts. However, like a shadow, this state of being moves every time with try to step into it. For many, the only cure is lowering the standard and doing our best to be content with what we have. However, that empty place is still there.
Jesus’ words are well-known but not universally accepted. He describes that a full and blissful life of joy and being blessed is not what the average person thinks it is.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3–10)
The first half of each of these statements is contrary to what we think it should be. Poverty of spirit? That seems a sorry lot in life. No one wants to feel as if they have nothing and are nothing, but read the next half of the sentence — “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” sounds much better. Isn’t that what the empty place in the human heart craves? Don’t we want to live forever in that place where there is no sin and sorrow? We just don’t want what Jesus says is the way to get there.
Happy people are characterized as ‘those who enjoy other people but aren’t self-sacrificing, who refuse to participate in negative feelings or emotions, and who have a sense of accomplishment based on their own self-sufficiency.’ It is a ‘you can do it’ philosophy, yet Jesus tells us we cannot do it. That blessedness we seek comes only by giving up self-effort and trusting Jesus to do it for us.
In these verses, the process of becoming a blessed person begins with giving up, by realizing and accepting that our capacity is zero. We are spiritual beggars without resources in ourselves and meekly accept that as the only route to fill that empty place — giving up, not by ‘work harder’ or trying more diligently. I know that sounds more like misery than happiness, but Jesus, the Word of God who spoke all things into existence (John 1:1ff) knows. He bids us “come, taste and see” that He is good and that He knows what He is saying is true.
There is a logic to it. MacArthur puts it like this: True happiness begins with being “poor in spirit” — which is a right attitude toward sin and self -effort, which leads to mourning over it and a meekness that leads to hungering and thirsting for righteousness. That results in mercy, purity of heart, and a peaceable spirit. In those attitudes is a true blessedness that cannot be lost.
Others will try. Those determined to prove Jesus wrong will insult, persecute and unjustly accuse those who believe that Jesus is telling the truth. We will be an ‘an irritating rebuke’ to them yet even in that we can “rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.”
Jesus, I know that some are drawn to Your truth while others are repelled by it. I cannot ‘fix’ that. All that I can do is let my sense of poverty keep drawing me to You and finding each time how faithful You are. You bless us with all that we need. I’ve also learned that the word “bless” can be translated as “well-spoken of” and You do that too. The weaker I feel, the more Your strength can be seen in me. That also is a blessing. What a wonder You are, full of grace and truth — and willing to impart to me that grace so I can believe Your truth and live with these attitudes that bring so much joy to my heart. May I be Your light in the lives of others, not afraid of being poor in spirit, but embracing it and living in immense joy.
MORE: 1 Peter 2:19–23. How did Jesus respond to those who reacted negatively to Him? What was the result of His example of not sinning but instead entrusting Himself to the righteous Judge? How can I be more like Jesus?
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