This is what is so unique about the kingdom of heaven. In other kingdoms, the kings rule from without. Jesus rules from within [us]. Other kings are satisfied as we supply them; Jesus wants to supply us. Other kings desire that we defend them; Jesus wants to be our defense. Other kings want us to serve them; Jesus wants to serve through us. In our absolute poverty, helplessness, we have nothing to offer Him. He can be our total supply and source His life through us. The only blockade to this relationship is our own self-sourcing.
– Stephen Manley –
from “The Poor” (Matthew 5:3)