Life in Christ is a Paradox
Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” That sentence from Matthew 5:3 are Jesus’ first words of his “Sermon on the Mount.” A large crowd of people had gathered around him that day on the mountainside. The gentle breeze ruffled his dark hair, as he instructed them to sit down on the grass and began to teach them about life in the Kingdom of Heaven. A hush came over the people as they listened. So many things he said that day were counter-intuitive to ordinary ways of life. Sayings that made no sense in what they were used to. But Jesus knew that his words were rich with the wisdom that can only be had in the Kingdom of Heaven. And the people knew his words were gracious, even if they couldn’t quite grasp what he meant. Spellbound, they couldn’t get enough of looking at his eyes shining like poignant lakes of grace and loving-kindness.
Certainly the saying “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” is a paradox. A mystery difficult to understand – unless we’ve experienced it. Then, with a gentled heart, we can say, “Yes, that is exactly how it is, precise truth.” But if we haven’t experienced the paradox, we are left scratching our head, wondering what on earth does Jesus mean?
A lot of questions came into my mind as I was preparing to write this blog. For example: What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?” Does it mean to be heart-broken? Does it mean when we reach the end of our metaphorical rope? Saddened greatly? Angered at being mistreated or abused? Have you been told you don’t have long to live? Has a beloved family member died?
Is your energy depleted? Were you recently laid off from your job and there doesn’t seem to be work anywhere else? Are you lonely and feel isolated from friends and family? Have you come to the place where you can’t fend for yourself anymore?
These questions represent only a few that could indicate events that cascade us down into the abyss of being among the “poor in spirit.” Perhaps you’ve experienced one or more of those situations during your life. I know I have. None of us wants to be “poor in spirit,” do we. Those feelings and emotions rest heavy-duty upon us and make it difficult for us to work our way through. None of it feels like a blessing.
What could Jesus have possibly meant, when he said that “when we are poor in spirit, we will be blessed with the Kingdom of Heaven?” Surely this is indeed one of those paradoxes that makes no sense in the ordinary world. And yet, in Kingdom wisdom, it is exactly when we are poor in spirit, that we yearn for more prayer, for deeper prayer. It is precisely when we are poor in spirit, that in desperation we look up, our faith searching in hope for answer to those prayers.
It is absolutely when we are so down-hearted, that we begin to discern the Lord’s Presence with us right where we are in that poverty-stricken mode, loving us right there and then in the moment.
Perhaps a larger paradox is this: If there is a Kingdom of Heaven, that implies that there is a King. In ordinary life, earthly kings did not and do not make it a habit to be so compassionate that they would visit their people and take care of their needs. But in the Kingdom of Heaven – that King – King of no less than all of Heaven – comes to us with great humility and love. Not as pompous royalty, but as a gentle shepherd. As a shepherd cares for his sheep, so Jesus walks with us, protects us from spiritual wolves, and carries us in his arms. I don’t know about you, but whenever I think about that and remember the times when He was there for me, with me, and in me, my heart is comforted once more. It is because of His Presence with us that we are transformed in mind and heart – and we understand the paradox.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.”