Are you poor in spirit?

Thus says the LORD:
“ Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
2 For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,”
Says the LORD.

“ But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word. (Isaiah 66:1-2)

Our Lord makes a plain statement of reality.  How often though do we forget?  We sometimes think that our offerings are special or new or helpful.  But are they?

Just 2 chapters earlier in Isaiah 64 we read of our righteousness’s being as filthy rags before the Lord. And even if our deeds were good in some way - what could we offer to Him who is enthroned in heaven?!  It would be like a child who takes o book off your bookshelf, wraps it up, and offers it to you as a gift!  We chuckle at the attempts of little children - but do we do the same thing?  And of that gift, when our child offers it in ignorance - we overlook such and accept it. Why?  Because of the tender contrite spirit that it is offered.

Oh that we would realize the only offering our Lord desires is a tender contrite spirit - this he will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)  How often we fail to see that "The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18)  But if we want the attention of our God - His eye is on "him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at [His] word."  The Beatitudes of Matthew 5 speak of this in verses 3-5, and verse 10.

Our Lord is humble.  Paul in Philippians 2 tells us that he humbled himself to the point of death.  Death - not in some easy way... but of the long, agonizing, painful, public and wrongful death in crucifixion.  The Lord who did all this, on the night He was betrayed, took a bowl of water and wiped the disciples feet.  Those men who would deny him - abandon Him, and one of which would betray Him.  He washed the feet of Judas.  That.....is humility.

May we ever consider what it is to be of contrite heart, that we may gain the attention of the Father - for no gift is as sweet as the one which recognizes our position before Him.  Amen.

Originally published 10/25/2011 here:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/dave-cox-ii/are-you-poor-in-spirit/10150336717535869