Depicted in the text, is pictured the blest spiritually poor. Generally, the rendering of the poor is, destitute, deemed to be happy, satisfied and contented in the sufficiency of Christ. Charles Wesley attested poignantly: "they (the poor in spirit) – who are unfeignedly penitent, they who are truly convinced of sin, who see and feel the state they are in by nature being deeply sensible of their sinfulness, guiltiness, helplessness". The poor are conscience of their constant need for mercy, not only at the point of regeneration, but in the unfolding and exercise of practical Christian faith. The text synchronized with Augustus Toplady's hymnology – Rock of Ages, asserted: "…nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling, naked come to thee for dress, helpless fly to thee for grace, foul I to the fountain fly, wash me savior or I die". Thus, the disciples or the would-be disciples of Christ, must be defined and understood as the poor in spirit. |