Truly “that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:1515And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:15). A rich man is usually given a place in this world while the poor are despised, but it is not so with God. God loves them and mentions them often in His Word. Of course, if poverty is the result of laziness, there is no virtue in that, but one is just speaking of the poor as we find them.
Such are deprived of a good deal in this world, and often, because of this, they feel their need of Christ. The prodigal son never thought of his home as long as he had plenty of money, but as soon as he had spent all and a famine began, he thought of his home. Nor did his father despise him on his return, but ran and fell on his neck and kissed him, welcoming home his long-lost son.
Let us never despise the poor— it is a sin to do so. Let is rather be our opportunity to show the Spirit of Christ who fed the poor and was much among them. Yea, He Himself, as man, was born in a stable, slept upon the mountains, asked to be shown a penny and found His “meat” in talking to a poor sinner. What grace—the Creator and Sustainer of all thing come so low—and that to make us rich. May we have His heart, and love, and care for the poor to whom He has said the gospel is to be preached.
1.What does God say about one who mocks the poor? Prov. 17.
2.How can we lend to the Lord? Prov. 19.
3.What will happen to the one who stops his ear at the cry of the poor? Prov. 21.
4.What did the Lord say about the two mites the poor widow cast into the treasury? Luke.
5.Whom has God chosen as His people? James.
6.Should we give a better place to a rich man than a poor man in an assembly? James.
7.Who is to come first in our considerations, even before the poor? Matt. 26.
ML 03/04/1951