“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3

The first beatitude is not a statement about economic posture. Jesus is honoring all whose walk with God is one of spiritual poverty. This builds on what God said in Isaiah 6:22 (NKJV)

“But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.”

There are two questions that arise here about spiritual poverty. First, what does it mean to have a contrite heart? It is a visible display of an inner feeling of remorse, sadness, and regret over our actions and sins. When Isaiah saw the Lord (Is. 6:5), he cried out “Woe is me, for I am unclean!” Before God there is nothing that we have that can commend us. As David proclaims in Psalm 16:2, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

We lack spiritual contrition because we do not come face to face with God. We do not seek His presence. We do not stop to listen to His voice. Our busy lives may include religious activity, but there is no time to meet with God. One moment in His presence will reverse the momentum of our lives.

Second, what does it mean to tremble at God’s word? It is to believe God’s word is true and my life depends upon it. I ignore God’s authoritative word at my own hazard. This is the word of the creator of the universe and the judge of all mankind.

“If one feels anything in the presence of God save an utter poverty of spirit, it ultimately means that you can have never faced Him.” (Lloyd-Jones)