Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, the forefathers of our faith, were blessed with wealth.

They all credited God with giving them extensive land, livestock, precious treasures, and children. It makes sense that wealth was looked at as a sign of God’s pleasure with someone — a reward for a righteous life. That’s why when Jesus gave this “sermon on the mount,” His words were shocking.

Instead of calling the wealthy blessed, Jesus gives the blessing to those who are empty and eager for God’s presence. It’s not the shrewd businessman, but the gentle servant; not the one filled with treasure, but the one who’s lost something precious. These, He says, are happy in God. These are blessed.

Why?

Perhaps it is simply a matter of space. Often, those with much feel no need to call on God, no reminder to pray, no pull on their heart to plead in His presence. But those who are lacking, those with a space, those with need, have a constant poking at their spirit to talk with God.

Those that ask, receive. They see the hand of God working in their lives. They see miracles. They watch blessings fill where there was emptiness before. Where they have a lack, God pours Himself in. That is blessing, indeed!