Remember the Poor

Background Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:6-25:4
Lesson Scripture: Deuteronomy 24:10-22

Introduction

Jesus looked upon his disciples and said, “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). His life’s message began and ended in this theme. His disciples were considered ignorant and unlearned. When the church became established and people from every walk of life gained entrance into the kingdom, it became necessary to incorporate Christ’s teaching in a practical way. Every man is to esteem the other better than themselves, regardless of financial status or position.

Key Verse

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Gal. 5:14).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Human nature, in its unconverted state, will take advantage of the vulnerable. To guard against this, God’s law set a standard of justice, mercy, and respect. The employer, lender, or otherwise advantaged was commanded to refrain from abusing his position. The servant relied on a daily remuneration to provide for his family, and his wage was to be paid on this basis. Yet the poor, who hired out their services, were at the mercy of their master. If their master was dishonest and took advantage of them, they had no recourse other than to cry out to God. God promised that if this happened, He would hear and judge.

Anything of a crop left in the field after harvest could be considered wasted profit; however, the law asked that the landowner should not be overly careful or concerned about this. Remnants in the field or on fruit trees were to be left for the poor. The Lord blessed and prospered those who obeyed these mandates from the heart. On the other hand, a curse was pronounced on the covetous. There were times when many in Israel fell to idolatry, and with this came oppression of the poor and helpless. Their cry was heard by God, and He turned against the disobedient.

David was filled with the Spirit and understood the deeper, heartfelt meaning in compassion. He begins Psalm 41 with these words: “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble” (v. 1).

Practical Truths for Today

Jesus left the immeasurable riches of heaven and became poor so that we could become rich (2 Cor. 8:9). His message challenged the thinking of that time, especially relating to material possessions. When the rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked out of the honesty of his heart how to obtain eternal life, Jesus gave him this answer: “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me” (Mark 10:21 NKJV). As the man left with a heavy heart, Jesus made some comments that left his disciples astonished. Jesus’s teaching was changing the concept of riches denoting God’s blessings, saying there was greater benefit in giving up those things rather than retaining them.

In the account of the unjust steward who had wasted his master’s goods, the steward realized that he was about to lose his livelihood and began to negotiate with his lord’s creditors. By doing so he secured their good will, and his lord commended him for this. Though the steward acted on self-preservation, there is a truth in this parable to consider. Jesus concluded this parable by asking the question, “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” (Luke 16:11). This is a very weighty question that has a serious implication. What does God require of us regarding our faithfulness in material affairs? We, too, are stewards of those possessions entrusted to us. The heart of a faithful steward, through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, generously dispenses his possessions to those in need. The Scriptures make it clear that to claim ownership brings a snare, which can eventually lead to spiritual death. A mindset that desires to retain possessions for personal gain and self-gratification will assuredly be the undoing of any sincere Christian.

Our community may not understand our faith and why we practice it as we do; however, the world is drawn to brothers or sisters who are generous and considerate in their daily business. An example could be in hiring the services of a local tradesman who is struggling financially. The invoice may seem high, but it is paid with a smile and a thank you.

It leaves a witness that is understood by our neighbors when, as a congregation, we reach out to local needs. What it may cost us in time, money, and inconvenience is richly repaid by our Master. It is payment not reckoned in material gain but rather as treasure in heaven.

At any given point in time there will be someone who is struggling financially. This may be due to circumstances beyond their control or because of poor choices and mismanagement. When unfortunate events cause a family material loss, the brotherhood with a heart of love reaches out to help lift the burden. In a situation where wrong choices result in a struggle for even the necessary provisions of life, a sense of failure can often be overwhelming. Faithful brethren can reach out and assist in numerous ways. Counsel may also be needed, but this is given with discretion and respect.

In reality we are all poor. God called us out of abject spiritual poverty and through his grace entrusted us with the true riches. All that we possess is a gift from God, given chiefly for us to share with those around us. God bestows no more honor on a brother who is an astute manager and accumulates more than he needs than on one who has little. God’s blessing comes when our possessions are laid on the altar and the question is asked, “Lord, what would you want me to do with these things?” The Spirit is faithful and answers this request so that we may know how to secure eternal investments. The Lord desires to enrich the faith of the believer whose finances are only enough for today. Christ’s love, imparted to each heart, does not allow material disparities in the church to create barriers or cause division. Each one has something to share and learn from the other.

Questions

1. Consider and discuss: the brother who is well situated should always be on the watch for financial needs in the kingdom and be ready to help.
2. In the light of Jesus’s teaching to not letting our left hand know what the right hand is doing, how important is it to give anonymously versus helping an individual personally?
3. A local small businessman is struggling financially. Is it my Christian duty to patronize him even if I can get better service elsewhere?
4. The poor and downtrodden were drawn to Jesus. No doubt they felt accepted and secure in his presence. How can I acquire that same gracious spirit toward those who are in need?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).