Beautiful Word Devotional #115

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

Luke 6:20

Throughout his teaching ministry, Jesus said things that perplexed the day’s religious leaders. Some of his statements are puzzling even today.

Consider “Blessed are you who are poor.” When we look at the poor, the last thing we think is how blessed they are.

But when Jesus said that the poor are blessed—and that the very kingdom of God belongs to them—he was referring to a spiritual poverty. Spiritually poor people realize they don’t have the capability to better themselves in their own power. Perhaps hitting rock-bottom emotionally in life made them realize their need for Someone stronger to depend on.

We can’t always save ourselves from life’s tough circumstances, and we sinful human beings can never save ourselves from our spiritual dilemma of separation from a holy God. When we acknowledge our spiritual poverty, and choose dependence on God, we are humbly entering the kingdom of God.

Lord, in you and only in you, we—who know our great need for a Savior and who know you as that Savior—are rich. Help us live humbly dependent on you, amen.