14
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing
need of nothing, and they had turned with scorn from the gracious gift.
He who feels whole, who thinks that he is reasonably good, and is
contented with his condition, does not seek to become a partaker of
the grace and righteousness of Christ. Pride feels no need, and so it
closes the heart against Christ and the infinite blessings He came to
give. There is no room for Jesus in the heart of such a person. Those
who are rich and honorable in their own eyes do not ask in faith, and
receive the blessing of God. They feel that they are full, therefore
they go away empty. Those who know that they cannot possibly save
themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action, are the ones who
appreciate the help that Christ can bestow. They are the poor in spirit,
whom He declares to be blessed.
Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and it is the office
of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin. Those whose hearts have been
moved by the convicting Spirit of God see that there is nothing good
[8]
in themselves. They see that all they have ever done is mingled with
self and sin. Like the poor publican, they stand afar off, not daring
to lift up so much as their eyes to heaven, and cry, “God, be merciful
to me the sinner.”
Luke 18:13
, R.V., margin. And they are blessed.
There is forgiveness for the penitent; for Christ is “the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world.”
John 1:29
. God’s promise
is: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”” A new heart
also will I give you.... And I will put My Spirit within you.”
Isaiah
1:18
;
Ezekiel 36:26, 27
.
Of the poor in spirit Jesus says, “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
This kingdom is not, as Christ’s hearers had hoped, a temporal and
earthly dominion. Christ was opening to men the spiritual kingdom of
His love, His grace, His righteousness. The ensign of the Messiah’s
reign is distinguished by the likeness of the Son of man. His subjects
are the poor in spirit, the meek, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
The kingdom of heaven is theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished,
the work is begun in them which will make them “meet to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saints in light.”
Colossians 1:12
.
All who have a sense of their deep soul poverty, who feel that
they have nothing good in themselves, may find righteousness and
strength by looking unto Jesus. He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that
labor and are heavy-laden.”
Matthew 11:28
. He bids you exchange