Humility grates against our natural fallen instinct to be first, to be right, to be important, to be recognised. Our greedy hands grasp at any form of praise pointed our way, often exaggerating our roles in stories to look good. We hate being wronged and are quick to seek out retribution when our rights are questioned or delayed. We eagerly seek instant, worldly gratification and praise, even though these things are fleeting, empty, and shallow.
The shock sets in fully when those who live like this open their eyes to an eternity of damnation and sheer terror. Those who live a me-centred life, who seek to put themselves into the meaning of life and all things, will be surprised when all their wealth and praise are burnt up in a single moment. Their empty, meaningless life is snuffed out and suffering is all they know.
This is shocking to the world because pride is not the meaning of life. To be brash and open about sin, selfishness and lack of control is not praiseworthy. Rather, the gospel flips this on its head. It is not the proud who inherit the Kingdom, but those who are poor in spirit.
These are the people who have had their eyes opened to the reality of their state before God. They have seen the fullness of their depravity, the ugliness of their desires, and ultimately, the pride that does exist in their hearts. This pride is shone upon the backdrop of a cross: the epitome of humility.
The poor in spirit are broken people. They have come to the end of themselves. They have abandoned their filthy, detestable rags. In their weakness, they have cried out in utter desperation for a Saviour to grip them in His mighty hand. They have seen the depravity of their souls and have keenly felt their constant failure.
Yet, they do not stop here. They also see glory. They see the sufficiency of Christ in spite of their failure. They cling to Him, the Saviour of their souls. They lift up their eyes and see the richness of the glorious Messiah. Their souls sing of the glories of the Creator, their God and their Father.
The poor in spirit are not promised riches, status, or even comfort, in this life. In fact, those in Christ are promised suffering and persecution. Yet, the poor in spirit have received so much more than mere worldly, temporary pride and praise. The poor in spirit run the race in humility, and at the end, their prize is the eternal Kingdom of God.
Here, true riches are found. Here, the One worthy of praise is worshipped and exhalted. Here, the poor in spirit gaze at the One who has elevated them from their dead and fallen state, who has purified them, and who has given them the right to stand with Him as fellow heirs.
To The Heart 