The Blessing Behind a Healthy Spirit - Pastor Johnny Marten
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The text does not mean that a person should have a weak spirit or no joy. Poor in spirit means coming before God knowing there is nothing good enough to bring as payment for entrance into his kingdom. Human goodness, giving, tithing, fasting, and helping needy people all have their place, but none of them can make a sinner right with God.
The Pharisee and the tax collector show the difference between spiritual pride and spiritual health. The Pharisee comes with a list of all the things he has done right, while the tax collector can barely look toward heaven and simply asks for mercy. Jesus says the tax collector goes home justified, because he knows his need. God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love through Jesus are what make a person righteous.
Peter’s response to the huge catch of fish shows what poor in spirit can look like in real life. Peter does not stand there bragging about his big break, but falls at Jesus’ knees and says, “Go away from me, I am a sinful man.” Sin can leave a person feeling like a trash can, unworthy even to pray or say God’s name. Jesus meets that kind of person with an invitation, not rejection: come to him with the heavy burden, because he came to seek and save the lost.
Peter’s life also shows what God can do with someone who knows he has nothing to boast about. Peter leaves behind the greatest catch of his life to follow Jesus, and God later uses him for great things. Humility becomes the healthy way to live in God’s kingdom, because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Jesus himself gives the pattern by serving his disciples and washing their feet.
A healthy spirit needs regular nourishment just as the body needs food and the mind needs good input. Jesus calls himself the bread of life, the one who feeds the spirit. Jesus also invites weary and burdened people to walk right beside him, not somewhere way back in the caravan. His yoke becomes light when a person stays close enough to have a real relationship with him.