Insufficient Funds

Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Insufficient funds” is never a welcome sight when seeking a withdrawal from your ATM. When I was growing up we had several phrases to describe a complete state of being broke. “I’m too poor to pay attention, I’m poorer than a church mouse or I don’t have two coins to rub together.” Obtaining the position of being completely broke is never a desired goal. No one views living in a van down by the river as a status symbol. So, why is Jesus blessing and elevating the poor in his kingdom? We elevate and esteem monetary success and self-reliance in our world today. Let say you were to die tonight and come before the gates of heaven. At its gate you see an ATM type of device. There must be a payment in order for you to enter. You enter all of your worldly accomplishments, financial success and independent lifestyle into this device. “Insufficient funds” is the response. The poor in spirit recognize their own spiritual bankruptcy. They realize they have nothing to offer as payment for their sins. There is but one payment which pays the admission cost and his name is Jesus. Have you ever accepted your spiritual brokenness or are you relying upon your works to enter into His kingdom? Jesus paid the price of admission completely and sufficiently. Don’t wait because living outside of his kingdom is a lot worse than living in a van down by the river.

Jonathan Jones, President Perfect Hope Ministries