When Jesus wanted to describe what it means to "live in the way of the kingdom," he took the position of a teacher and delivered what is called the Sermon on the Mount. This teaching is given to us in Matthew 5-7 and is a summary of what it means to live the vision and values of Jesus. Now, that entire section of teaching begins with a smaller section often called "the beatitudes." These statements introduce us not only to the larger teaching of Jesus in this section, but also to the upside-down nature of God's kingdom. Those who read these words are quickly confronted with the reality that God thinks differently than man, and His ways often cut against the grain when it comes to how "life in this world works." Finally, the beatitudes begin with Jesus' statment that the favor (blessing) of God is upon the poor in spirit, because they are the ones who inherit the kingdom of God. So, the Sermon on the Mount begins with the beatitudes, which begin with a statement of God favoring the poor in spirit.
As I read this passage of scripture today, it seemed to me that this is indeed a surprising way to begin describing the way of God's kingdom. After all, what American wants to be poor in any sort of way. After all, we are a nation of movers and shakers. We like to think of ourselves as those who take lemons and make lemonaide. We work hard, seek education, attain training, and exploit every advantage to make sure that we never find ourselves "in the poor house." We want to give to those in need more than we want to be needy recipients. We want not only enough money for the mortgage and groceries, but for a healthy emergency fund, a growth-oriented savings account, and ample retirement to kick back in the golden years and enjoy the fruits of our labors. And yet, Jesus tells us to realize that it is the poor in spirit rather than the materially wealthy that are favored by God.
So, is God opposed to us because we seek to work hard, save responsibly, and plan diligently for the future? I don't think so. In fact, the bible tells us to work diligently as unto the Lord. The proverbs calls us to save in the day of plenty in order to have provision in the day of want. The scriptures call us not to "a vow of poverty" as much as to a "commitment to use our resources in a responsible and righteous manner." So, why did Jesus begin his summary of what it means to live out the values of the kingdom by calling us to poverty?
The simple answer is that "He didn't!" Notice that Jesus is not calling us to realize that God favors those who are poor in "material things," but poor "in spirit." The point is that God favors those who see Him for who He actually is. Why? Because those who rightly recognize the holiness of God also recognize their own moral bankruptcy. Those who recognize the depth of His wisdom recognize the emptiness of their level of understanding. Those who understand the all-surpassing power of God also tend to realize that our greatest claims to strength are but weakness in His sight. In other words, those who rightly see God for who He is, and therefore see themselves for who they are, realize that unless this holy, wise and powerful God grants them grace they are destined for destruction. Driven by this wisdom, these broken (spiritually poor) people humble themselves before their God and plead for mercy. They are like Isaiah who trembled in fear in the presence of a holy God. They are like John the Baptist who confesses that he isn't even worthy enough to loosen the sandles of Jesus.
God favors these "poor in Spirit" because they have come to understand not only the desperate plight of their journey, but the only way to be rescued. Recognizing that God has provided payment for their sins in the cross and power to be made anew through the resurrection, they come to faith in Jesus. Whether such a person is materially wealthy or dependent on welfare makes little difference. What matters is if they have seen the provision of God and humbly received His grace. If they have done this, they have gained the favor of God. They have come to understand that only through dying to ourselves can we truly gain the life of God; only through a broken spirit can healing be obtained; or as Jesus put it...only those who are poor in spirit will receive the kingdom of God.
