Poor in Spirit by Noah W. Vincent

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 21, 1875

Poor in Spirit.

By Noah W. Vincent

“BLESSED are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Matt. 5: 3.

Unmistakable characteristic of the saint! precious blessing, too, from the lips of our Lord Jesus—blessing that includes all others to eternity! Dear brethren, let us feel that in us dwelleth no good thing—that our sufficiency is of Christ. How bright was the example of spirit-poverty in the Syro-Phœnician woman. She welcomed being likened to a dog if she might partake of the crumbs from the Master’s table. The rich young man, trusting in self and riches, went away sorrowful, while the poor leper who said, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean,” went away happy in God.

All fulness is in Christ; but to receive of it we must feel our need, and then ask in faith. Beloved fellow-servants, let us humble ourselves, accept gratefully even that service which may seem least at the bidding of our loving Master, and be faithful in its performance. The time of refreshing, rest, and unending gladness draws near. Christ will soon appear in power and great glory. All shall then be made new. Then shall the poor in spirit realize the fulfillment of the promise that theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Let us so act in the time of conflict, suffering, and reproach, that we may share in the triumph, joy, and glory. NOAH W. VINCENT.