Unlimited: The Kingdom of Heaven is For the Needy
Feb 14, 2022 1207
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV).
One of the most significant thoughts ever to enter my head is this: In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, there is not one harsh syllable from Christ to anyone who felt their need. That is a wonderful thought. Nowhere in Christ’s life story is there one harsh syllable for anyone who had a sense of need.
All Christ’s harshness was reserved for those who were spiritually smug – the hypocrites, the self-righteous, and the Laodiceans who considered themselves spiritually wealthy (Revelation 3:14–17).
People who think they are rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing are on dangerous ground. They receive our Lord’s rebuke. They feel no need for the Kingdom of Heaven.
We are needy.
It is better to feel spiritually needy, for in fact, we are needy. When we feel our neediness, the Lord can bless us. It’s wonderful to be weak, for then, and then only, are we ready to receive the Lord’s strength. Awareness of our need is a vacuum Christ can fill.
Despite our weakness, Christ is Conqueror. Though we are weak in faith and feel we are about to be destroyed, life’s stormy seas are beneath Christ’s feet, and he has the neck of the serpent, the devil, under his heel. – Des Ford (adapted)
Reflection: Paul says that he finds “delight in weakness.” That’s a very challenging thought. Find a place where you can be alone and meditate on how God has turned your weaknesses into a blessing in your life.
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