As I near the end of this season of reading the Proverbs of Solomon, so many themes have been addressed. Today, I am thinking about the special place God has for the poor in His heart. And in addition, how each of us share a responsibility to them, even though who govern. On my mind is that America is the most generous nation in the world. Our welfare benefits are tremendous. I guess that explains why people will walk 1000 miles get here and be part of it all. Sadly, however- much of our ‘war on poverty’ has been ineffective and produced unintended consequences. Think about it… we now have in some inner cities, third generation welfare recipients! That’s horrifying. The safety net, became a hammock of despair. Out of wedlock births and the devaluation of marriage among the poor can be partially attributed to welfare benefits that reward the unmarried. This has decimated certain segments of our society with disastrous results- specifically out of control youth and crime ridden neighborhoods. Doug, Doug, stop! You are depressing me. Its ok. Listen to what Jesus said “the poor, you have with you always”. We will always be able to personally respond to the needs of the poor. The politically correct term is ‘under-resourced’, revealing again the misguided liberal approach. Do you want to know what the poor need? The gospel! Not just ‘resources’.
The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:
The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
If a king judges the poor with truth,
His throne will be established forever. Proverbs 29:13-14
How sensitive am I to the needs of the poor? In what ways, besides paying taxes, am I responding to the real need of the poor by providing the gospel?
God, as this day begins- I am excited to join so many of my friends at Encore again. May the sweetness of fellowship buoy up every one of us. Thank you that I am part of a church responding to the needs of the poor. Bless pastor Joey as he leads out with Adopt a Block. Give him wisdom.
