Day 6

Before a multitude of people, Jesus presented a radical new teaching, now known as the Sermon on the Mount. He began by pronouncing “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”  It was a stunning statement in stark contrast to what the Pharisees taught, but was paramount to all He would go on to say.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit.”  The little “s” in spirit denotes our spirit.  Jesus wants us to know that we’re spiritually bankrupt without Him.  Trying to live on our own, pursuing our own interests, and taking care of ourselves will result in spiritual poverty.  It will always leave us wanting more.  When we believe this and seek Him we are blessed.

Moses spent 40 years leading more than two million people through a desert. Scripture shows that, at times, these people made his life miserable. Surely he was eager to reach their destination. Yet, Moses told God he didn’t want to enter the Promised Land if God’s Presence wasn’t going with them. He didn’t mince words: “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).

Do you grasp just how much you need God’s Presence? Do you realize how destitute you are apart from Him? King David said to the Lord, “You have said, ‘Seek you My face – inquire for and require My Presence [as your vital need].’ My heart says to You, ‘Your face [Your Presence], Lord, will I seek’” (Psalm 27:8 AMP). That’s how Moses and David lived.

Are you willing to say to God today, “Don’t send me up from here if Your Presence doesn’t go with me”?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3