THOSE OF WHOM GOD BLESSES

Isaiah 66:1-2 says, "This is what the Lord says: 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.'" The verses above speak of the greatness of our God. It shows that God is above and beyond all our understanding. He created and owned everything, yet He is near to those who are humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at His Word. The word "humble" comes from the Hebrew word "poor," which relates to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:3 that says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Poor in spirit reflects the recognition that one has nothing to offer God in exchange for salvation and is entirely dependent on His goodness. Contrite hearts arise from the concept of a "broken spirit." A broken spirit comes from being shattered by sin. Therefore, contrite hearts reflect turning away from a sinful life and a profound sorrow for sin, as it displeases God. Lastly, tremble of God's Word means putting God's Word over and above all beliefs, ideas, and thoughts of this world.  

God is not looking for someone who has a perfect life to be His follower, but He is looking for someone who has a humble and contrite heart and trembles at His Word. As a Christian was sharing the gospel with a man on the street, the man told him that he wasn't ready to believe and surrender his life to God just yet because he felt he needed to get his life in order first before following God. Another person said, "I am not ready to believe in Jesus and follow Him because I need to quit drinking and smoking first." These two men didn't understand that the only way God can be with them is when they have humble and contrite hearts before God and tremble at God's Word. It is not about quitting drinking and smoking or putting one's life together, but it is about having humble and contrite hearts that tremble at His Word.

God determines who He blesses, not humans. May we have humble and contrite hearts before God and tremble at His Word. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who does God bless in this world? Do I have a humble and contrite heart before God and tremble at His Word? What does it mean to have a humble and contrite heart before God and tremble at His Word?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, I humbly come before you today acknowledging that I am poor in spirit. I completely rely on you for my spiritual being. I cannot grow spiritual without your help. I need you. I also acknowledge that I do not like sin, for sin ruins everything that is good in me and affects my relationship with you. Please give me a repentant heart that I may not live in sin, but in your righteousness. Lastly, please help me to put your Word above every thought and belief that I have. May your Word renew my mind that I may think according to your Word. In your name, Jesus, I pray, Amen.