by Ray Ortlund
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
Matthew 5:3

Let us keep reflecting on this important verse, asking again, “Who are the poor in spirit?” Now, Jesus is implying that all the people who think they’ve earned His attention are in fact excluded and on their way to hell. And as evidence of that, they tend to create hell on earth while they live. Jesus is telling all the people who think they’re important that they don’t count. He’s telling all the people who think they’re smart that they flunk. He’s telling all the sinners and whores and porn addicts and hypocrites and failures and idiots and weaklings who turn to Him that the future of the world is theirs.
The Pharisees looked at those very people and said, “You’re the ones who are bringing society down. You’re the problem.” Jesus looked at the same people turning to Him, and He said, “You’re the ones I’m going to build My kingdom with.”
To be poor in spirit … What does that mean? It doesn’t mean a dull personality; Jesus gives us sparkle. Spirit-filled human beings are a riot to be with. They are just a blast. They’re human; they’re free. But Jesus is saying wealth begins with poverty, life begins with death, a better future begins with facing the past. When He talks about the poor, He doesn’t mean people who have only a little. He means people who have nothing.
The poor in spirit are sinners who have squandered their chance in life, but in their desperation they turn to Jesus. The poor in spirit look at the cross. They see the Son of God dying for their bungled lives, and they know they can’t put in a claim on God. The old spirit of demands died when the Lord taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts.” The poor in spirit feel that indebtedness. Jesus is saying, “Do you realize God owes you nothing? Perfect! You’re the ones He’s going to bless.”

Thought to Remember for Today

When we want to start a new project, we recruit the cool people and the winners and the heavy hitters and the people who are smart and funny and impressive. But Jesus looks for the losers who are down so low they need everything. I mean, who would start a religion with sinners? Jesus, that’s who.

Fitzpatrick, E. (2016). Grace untamed: a 60-day devotional. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook.