We’ve been discussing the need for brokenness in a disciple of Christ’s life. Today we examine some of the characteristics of this person. Each of the eight characteristics will be examined individually, but it is important to realize that each is a part of the life theme – brokenness. Not broken of spirit where we give up on life but broken of pride, self-sufficiency, self confidence, self striving. Self broken is replaced by Christ confidence, dependence on Gods’s empowerment. As Scripture tells us: “Not by might nor by power but by my spirit says the Lord.”
Examine with me what godly brokenness looks like. The word “blessed” begins each characteristic. The first, blessed are the poor in spirit. Some translations interpret the word “happy” instead of blessed. Neither blessed nor happy adequately define the root Greek word “makarious.” It’s a term of congratulations and recommendation. Taken from the root word “mak,” meaning large, lengthy. To me the word blessed means, “congratulations, you are full of joy, peace of mind, contentment, fullfillment times 10.” The ultimate well-being, better than riches, power and fame, is the person who is poor of spirit.
Poor in spirit – the broken, the humble, those whose spiritual pride and self sufficiency are being stripped. They see themselves as they really are: bankrupt apart from Him, helpless and impotent without the life of His Son, and they rush to Christ for the resource to live the Christian life. They do not pretend to be what they are not…“for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” – for theirs is a deepening intimacy with God. The Message Bible paraphrases poor in spirit as, “at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” Blessed are the broken.
The first quality Christ lists of the broken is one who mourns, who is sensitive to his sinfulness, his falling short of God’s best. He doesn’t blame shift or excuse or gloss over sin but owns it and is penitent. This creates a stronger sensitivity to others, comforting those who mourn. They accept their forgiveness, healing and restoration and they pass on that comfort to others. Are you and I sensitive to the still, quiet voice of the Holy Spirit saying, “Ray, that attitude, that activity is not that of a godly person.” Repentance follows. Blessed are the broken who mourn.
Next, blessed are the broken who are meek. Or another word for meek is gentle. They know their weakness and failure but they also know their Resource. They are restrained from a position of strength (like my stallion.) The meek don’t claw or scrap for their "rights" because they trust God to meet their needs. They surprise their enemies with a gentle, confident approach; they volunteer servanthood as an equal. They give instead of grab. They look to God instead of demanding from others. The Message Paraphrase states, “content with just who you are – no more, no less. That’s when you find yourself proud owners of what can’t be bought.” Blessed are the meek.
We’ll continue the characteristics in Monday’s post.
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