Sharing a Thought…

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:3‭-‬4 KJV

The first words recorded in the gospel of Matthew that Jesus taught the multitude, commonly known as the beatitudes, began with the verses above. Looking at the teachings of Jesus, I had a thought. As you know, the more you read the Word, the more God reveals Himself to you.

As I read this passage, I was led to: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51:17 KJV

Previously, I had understood poor in spirit to simply mean humble and they that mourn to have a literal meaning. And, yes, they may. However, when I also read Psalm 51 (really, all of it), I was reminded that Jesus came, not for the “saved”. Rather for the sinners, the sick, those who realized they needed a Savior. He came to redeem the lost. The “religious” folks of that time did not desire Him, nor did they recognize Him. Rather, those that were poor in spirit – the ones who recognized how destitute they were without Him saw Christ the Messiah. They sought after Him and He fulfilled the promise that if we seek Him, we will find Him.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
John 16:7‭-‬8 KJV

As king David mourned, grieved his sin through his prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, recognizing that this is what God requires, prefers over any sacrificial offering, we too ought mourn and grieve our sins. I firmly believe that if we felt the weight and grief of just our own sin, as Jesus did in the Garden before His crucifixion, yes, we will be comforted as He says in His Word. I feel like sin has almost become common place in the church. Repentance is almost a checking the box.

Now, there is a difference between Correction and condemnation. Condemnation beats us up. It’s not done in love. It can lead us to feel hopeless and it doesn’t sound like the Word of God. Correction is done in love and should lead us to conviction. The goal of correction is to bring us to right standing with God, in accordance to His Word.