Devotion Day 1

Christmas Day will soon be here and with it the story of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  And we could spend the whole year just talking about the prophecies leading to His birth and how they came true, or we could talk about every person involved in the story of His birth and how they affected the world, etc but Jesus' story doesn't end on His Birth.  His story doesn't jump to Easter where we celebrate His death and resurrection.

He grew up in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men {Luke 2:52}

In these Daily Devos I want us to look at what Jesus did in the beginning of His ministry.  Right after he had calls his first disciples and starts healing the sick, Jesus went up on a mountainside and he sat down.  His disciples came to him and He began to teach them.  And what he said would turn the world upside down.

The Beatitudes: were backwards from everything the world was telling the people who came to hear Jesus.  They were upside down and inside out.  They were radical statements and one of the first ones Jesus makes.  Quite the way to start out His ministry.  But I believe Jesus was showing the world.  I am not an ordinary man, I am not a normal prophet or teacher, and I'm not just some guy who can perform miracles.  I am the Son of God and I'm here to give and lead you into life.  A better and more fulfilling life than you can possibly imagine and it all starts with the people who are blessed even if they don't realize it!

Matthew 5:3 (#1 Beatitude)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {NIV}


When I read the NIV version, I have to admit I was confused by the phrase "poor in spirit."  What exactly does that mean?


The word poor we naturally assume is about material and wealth.  But every one's definition of what "poor" really is varies from person to person.  But Matthew writes that Jesus doesn't say just poor he says "poor in spirit"  I feel as if the word poor means lack of something so if you are poor in spirit you lack spiritual awareness in your life but Jesus says those who are poor in spirit are blessed so there must be a different meaning for this saying. 


As I was researching this phrase I found a common thread.  The poor of spirit refers to spiritual poverty as in when you realize you have nothing to offer to a true, just, and holy God and you stand helpless before Him as you cannot save yourself.   You see and realize your desperate need for a Savior.  


I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior in 6th grade.  And I mean every word as I asked Him to come into my life and that I believed in Him and what he did.  But it wasn't until my sophomore year in college that I became poor in spirit.


As a "good Christian" girl growing up, I knew I did the wrong things sometimes (sinned).  But I didn't understand the depravity (weight or consequences) of my sin.  I knew Jesus had saved me, I just didn't realize how unworthy I was to be saved. 


It wasn't until people pointed out in nice and some not so nice ways (sometimes we need that too) that I was doing things that I didn't see as wrong but really were.  Then one day it hit me.  All the sins that I had committed against other people flew right into my face.  And there was nothing I could do to take them away.  No amount of saying, "I'm sorry" or pledges to not do it again could undo what I had done.  And I felt unclean and unworthy to be saved by Christ. 


I didn't understand.  Why would Jesus come down and die this horrible death to save me? I didn't do anything to deserve His sacrifice!  What I had done had put Him there! The perfect gift of life stood before me but I felt like a cheat holding it because nothing I could do justified me getting this free gift. 


One day at church, I was still feeling so, well to put it simply, yucky about myself.  I kept crying out, "Jesus, God why would you save me."  Then all of a sudden something that started in my chest spread throughout my body and I felt these words echo in my being, "Because I love you."  At that moment, I realized yes I was so unworthy of Jesus' sacrifice and gift but it didn't matter because God's love for me was bigger than my unworthiness.  He not only saved me but wanted and desired me to know the depth, length and breadth of His love for me so He gave me the best gift He could, His Son! 


I felt as if I could fly in that very instance!  It was the best feeling ever.  And that feeling helplessness and spiritual poverty by being so humbled before a great God was completely worthy it!  Because it was only when I realize how much I needed God, that I truly felt His love for me!  


When I didn't realize how my actions were affecting other people I thought subconsciously I was "good enough."  But standing in the light of a Holy God that changed and I thank God it did. 


When I felt His love my life changed.  I surrender my life more and more deeply and fervently to God and because of that I am experiencing more of the kingdom of heaven here on earth every day. 


I see how God provides in the smallest and biggest ways, I see His creation scream His name, I see people in a different light and I begin to see moments as opportunities to shine for Him.  His Kingdom truly is Here and Now.  Of course being poor in Spirit and realizing your need for a Savior has heavenly awards too!  Seriously, meeting Jesus in Heaven is going to be incredible!


So your spiritual wealth does not depend on your material wealth.  You can be living in poverty and not see your need for a spiritual guide and Savior.  And you can also be rich and be spiritual poor as you maintain humbleness before God as you know He is the only one and way who can save you.


Psalm 51:16-17 states "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite (repentant/sorry) heart, O God, you will not despise. 


So what does your spiritual meter look like?  Have you realized your need for a Savior?  Because you have Savior ready to show you what He has done for you?


If you have had your "poor in spirit" moment, how do you see the Kingdom of Heaven around you?  How are you reaching out to others so they too may be blessed by being poor in spirit?


PS I also like The Message version of this verse! You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope.  With less of you there is more of God and his rule.