What is the true meaning ofpoor in spiritas it occurs in the beatitude? Poor in spirit denotes,not circumstances,but inward character,not a condition of life,but a state and temper of mind.TO be beaten utterly out of conceit with ones own strength,goodness and wisdom;TO feel that apart from GODs grace we are nothing,can do.IT is he who feels most poignantly his need of all,who will most heartily hail the promise of the free gift of all.OUR Saviour says we are happy,blessed,in proportion as we feel our own want,our own emptiness,in things spiritual.The more we are poor,the more we are rich.THIS poverty of Spirit being the condition of every blessing,therefore to it is attached the promise of the Kingdom of heaven,which is inclusive of all blessings. The WORD forpoormeans utter destitution,andin spiritdefines the sphere of destitution.Some interpret this,destitution of the wealth of learning and intellectual culture which the schools offered,because men of this class readily gave themselves up to CHRISTs teaching,and proved themselves fitted to lay HOLD of the heavenly treasure.Others make the idea more inward and ethical,that is,destitute of spiritual blessings. This is better.BUT shall we read,poor in the Spirit,that is,poor in SPIRITUAL treasures,orpoor in their spirit,that is,conscious of their spiritual need?There is no virtue in poverty.The CHURCH at Laodicea waspoor,and blind,and naked,but was rebuked by CHRIST.They thought they were rich and had need of nothing.So it is better to read,conscious of their spiritual need.it is this consciousness of need that leads one to seek the grace of GOD IN JESUS Christ.The publican who prayed.GOD be merciful to me a sinner,is a good illustration of those poor in spirit.whose is the Kingdom of heaven.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 15:38:58 +0000
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