Bible Reading: Psalm 40, 41 & 42; Acts 27:1-22
“Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard” Proverbs 21:13 (KJV).
The poor has always been in the world, and yet the bible says they will always be here. Moses told the Israelites, “The poor will never cease out of the land” Deuteronomy 25:11a (KJV). God did not create any to be poor. Sin and the devil brought poverty to the world. Yet, God in His love and wisdom, has extended His blessing to all who share His heart of taking care of the poor.
When the bible speaks of the poor it refers to those who do not have adequate food, clothing, or shelter to live. In fact, it refers to absolute lack of bare necessities. God feeds all in the world, yet for it to be effectively done He has given man the opportunity to partner with Him. Proverbs 19:17 (KJV) says, “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Giving to the poor brings God’s Hand to yours.
According to Psalms 41:1-3 (KJV), ” Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. [2] The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of His enemies. [3] The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing : thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.” This all happened in the case of the righteous man, Job, when the devil came for him. God did exactly as His Word stated in Psalm 41:1-3. Why? Job answers the question himself, “Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out” Job 29:12,16 (KJV).
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, several times in scriptures encouraged the rich to give to the poor in His teachings and parables. He even gave to the poor from the bag Judas kept (John 13:27). He equated serving or neglecting the poor with serving or neglecting God (Matthew 25:40,45). He feels compassion whenever He sees them.
You can start today by giving to those around you who are in need, not forgetting your brothers in Christ who are challenged. As you do God’s blessings will empower you the more.
Action Plan: Set out certain amount of money or items you can afford and give to the needy around you. Do it over and over as God increases you.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu