The first four beatitudes turn our minds from ourselves to God. To be “poor in spirit” is to acknowledge our spiritual ruin and our lack of spiritual power, to be finally undeceived at last about how we stand before God. This is humility, a humbleness that throws itself wholly on God. “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.” (Psalm 130:1 ESV) Our dependence on God, not on ourselves, leads us to the kingdom of heaven. Its power and privilege is available to us now, although it has not yet fully come.

Interior of Church of the Beatitudes

We are all-too familiar with mourning that comes from the death of loved ones. We are often comforted by friends and family, as well as thoughts of meeting again in heaven if the loved one was a Christian. Yet, it seems that Jesus is speaking beyond the comfort provided in those situations. When we turn to God for forgiveness, we are comforted from the heavy load of carrying our sorrow and guilt. As Paul argues in Romans, we cannot achieve purity before God in our own strength. We cry out to God over our own sin, regret that we have disappointed God. Sin is ugly and black, lurking down our street and in other parts of town, causing misery and poverty. We should be prepared to mourn over the sin around us and not always to condemn. Judgment is coming

The meek are also humble and gentle, free from pretension. The meek seek the interests of others ahead of their own. This is in direct contradiction to what our culture tells us – get what you can, how you can, as soon as you can. “In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.” (Psalm 37:10-11 ESV)

If we have drawn close to God admitting our spiritual poverty and mourning over our sin, and if we leave everything in the hands of God instead of seeking our own interests, then we’ll be eager to become like this God who forgives. We will long for his righteousness; we will want it as the parched want water and the starving, food. We will be completely satisfied by God, and it will be so wonderful that we will hunger and thirst for more.