Tag: poverty

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Speak For Those Who Can’t

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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
    for the rights of all who are destitute.  Proverbs 31:8

It’s interesting that in the three major monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) equality between rich and poor is a major theme.  Not only are the wealthy on equal footing with the needy in God’s eyes but those who “have” are admonished to help those who “have not.”  And although God doesn’t challenge believers to eliminate poverty, He does challenge us to ease the suffering of those experiencing it.  Jesus, Himself, reminds us there will always be the poor.  He also gives us the great command to love one another as He loves us.  We are, ourselves, living in the full poverty of sin. Yet He loves us immensely.

This last proverb we are looking at in this series, 31 Days of God’s Wisdom, isn’t just about helping and loving those who are destitute.  It pushes us to speak up for those who cannot.  A person need not be poor in the traditional sense to require a champion.  A group of people who come to mind, especially these days, are children. They own nothing.  They have no power.  They have no influence.  

Prior to Jesus’ days many children were seen as property or even slaves.  They were used as pagan sacrifices and for sexually immoral acts.  They were traded and used like cattle.  When Jesus came He told those who would listen to be more like children.  To be innocent and curious.  He allowed the children to come forward and listen to His words.  He asked us to have a child-like faith.  These people who had nothing to their name, He wanted us to emulate.

God’s world, if you haven’t already discovered, always seems to be an upside down version of the world of the flesh.  He requires us to love the unlovable.  To be humble when challenged.  To speak up in the face of adversity for those who cannot.  To take courage in the unseen, not the seen.  

If there’s ever a time to heed God’s words it is now.  When I read and write about how children were treated in years gone by, I have to ask myself, “Are we really any better now?”  Are we protecting our helpless children from sexual immorality?  Are we providing for all of their basic needs when so many have been abandoned?  Are we protecting them from death starting even in the womb and then in the streets?

Friends, as we arrive at the end of the Book of Proverbs, we see chapter 31 in two parts.  The first tells us to stand up for those who have no voice.  The second, more famous part, describes the Proverbs 31 woman.  But Proverbs 31:10-31 could be about a man or a woman.  A person who takes the responsibilities of life laid out throughout proverbs seriously.  Who places protecting family front and center.  A person who works hard to keep from being on the poverty rolls.  A man or woman who respects their bodies and their relationships.  If we were to take on at least half the roles outlined in these last verses I’m sure we would have the beginning part covered.  Let’s look in the mirror today and ask the person looking back at us if we are doing our part to be upright enough to stand for those who cannot.

Gracious Lord, you remind me over and over that I live among equals.  Equally loved by you but not equally treated by this world of the flesh.  Help me to stand among those today who speak up for your children and others in need.  Amen

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Bountiful Harvest

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Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. Genesis 2:8-9

As we approach the holidays, and especially Thanksgiving, one topic is on everyone’s lips – what will be served on our festive tables.  And while there are still many impoverished people in the world, through science, technology, and better understanding of growing crops and maintaining our herds, we have overall become much more richly blessed with food.  Not only is there more food to reach the ends of the earth there’s more variety. 

Where I live if I want to make any dish I can find the ingredients, no matter the season or even it’s ethnic origins.  We have Middle Eastern markets, Mexican shops, Asian groceries, German meat markets, Ethiopian restaurants, Italian delis and more.  You want to try it?  Just search for it on the Yelp app and you’ll find it nearby.  

I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 11:15

God promised us a very long time ago that He would provide for us.  And one short drive around just about any city in the world will show that promised fulfilled.  I need to remember this abundance is God’s gift to us.  He not only feeds us but gives us the opportunity to share our cultures and our traditions through food.

On our Thanksgiving table this year we will once again have my husband’s favorite fresh cranberry sauce along side my mom’s favorite canned jelly cranberry sauce (with the indentations from the can!).  We will enjoy a large turkey, stuffing, homemade rolls, pies and more.  A feast for sure.  A bountiful harvest lovingly given by God.

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A Tiny Message #10

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“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did 
we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger 
or needing clothes or sick or in prison, 
and did not help you?’ “He will reply, 
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not 
do for one of the least of these, you 
did not do for me.’ 
Matthew 25:44-45

The other day during my BSGs’ study on Easter we had a discussion about humbly serving. It was interesting to hear how some of us took the line “the least of these” to solely mean people in poverty. We also tended to look at serving only as a physical or financially act.

And yet Jesus said that He brings living water to the thirsty. Who are the “thirsty” around you? You might be surprised that there are many Christians who remain hungry and thirsty for what Jesus has to offer. They have accepted Him as His savior but are not living out the fullness of life God wants for them.

When we talk about sharing the gospel with others we usually mean the message of salvation. And yes, we must make as a priority the saving of souls through the introduction of the true message of Christ. But the Good News is also about the peace and joy and love of God. It’s also about the helping hand of the Holy Spirit.

When we dismiss the work of helping all God’s people, not just the poor, we create a hierarchy of “needs” that just isn’t present in God’s Holy kingdom. He see us all. He loves us all. And if we are called to help guide and teach a group of young, new believers that is exactly where we need to be — keeping them from being pulled back into the world. Or it may mean we speak the truth plus love to a friend who has been led to false teaching.

Wherever you have been called to humbly serve and share the gospel — be it with believers or non-believers — rest assured that your work is loved by God.