The Beatitudes
By Taylor G. Bunch
A Contrite, Humble Spirit
To be poor in spirit does not mean to be poor-spirited. Jesus does not pronounce a blessing on a person with a bad spirit, a poor disposition. A poor-spirited person cannot be happy; he is too selfish. In such the very source of happiness is contaminated. Another has interpreted the true meaning of this text in the following statement: "Happy are they who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption." It is the opposite of spiritual pride and self-satisfaction.
While this beatitude sounded new and strange to the Jews, it was not new. It was a restatement of an old truth that had been lost sight of because of the spiritual pride and self satisfaction of Israel. Through Israel the Lord had declared that although He is "the high and lofty One that in habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy," He also dwells with him "that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isaiah 57:15. He also said: "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word." Isaiah 66:2. As soon as Job obtained a vision of his spiritual poverty, he stopped arguing to justify himself, and his misery and wretchedness cam to an end, his captivity being turned into victory. He experienced a happiness such as he had never before known.
When, as the result of a vision of God, the prophet Isaiah recognized his spiritual poverty, he cried out, "Woe is me! for I am undone." Isaiah 6:5. He sensed his imperfection, which now appeared to him in a new and hideous light. This changed attitude made it possible for the Lord to cleanse him from sin, and use him as His spokesman to others. The woe gave place to the blessedness of heaven. When proud-spirited Simon Peter fell at the feet of Jesus and said, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord," the Master immediately commissioned him to be a fisher of men. (See Luke 5:8-10) Paul was elevated to become the chief of the apostles when he acknowledged himself to be the chief of sinners. What a chance in attitude from that of the proud and haughty Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus.
A recognition of our spiritual condition and needs is the first step in the beatitude ladder of spiritual progress which leads into the kingdom of heaven. The proud in spirit have not taken the first step toward the heavenly kingdom. A recognition of sin and a cry for pardon and cleansing are the beginning of the pathway to Zion and to happiness. There can be no blessed state where there is unconfessed and unforgiven sin. "There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked." Isaiah 48:22. A contrite and penitent spirit is therefor the first qualification for citizenship in the kingdom of God, and for service in the cause of righteousness.
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Next week we will look at Jesus' Example
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