Isn’t that the government’s job, a non-profit organization, or could the Church do that? “For ye have the poor always with you; but Me ye have not always” (Matthew 26:11 KJV). Actually, it is everyone’s problem or responsibility. The Church may use relieving the poor as an outreach with the Gospel, especially with missionary work, but relieving the poor is humanity’s responsibility. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (22:39). Cain objected to this burden. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). Ask a police officer, if homelessness affects his job. Of course it does. Even government appreciates volunteers, when tax dollars are stretched thin. If you object that government does not create wealth, only redistributes it. You would be correct. But, if a non-government entity does not step in, we kick the can down the street expecting government to be the last resort. And, government will step in, but in exchange for liberty. Look at Joseph’s Egypt. Pharaoh provided the grain to relieve the people, but they surrendered property and liberty in exchange for their lives. Christian, “seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace” (Jeremiah 29:7). Father, cause us to bear the burdens belonging to us, but only with Your help. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Freedom From Poverty
Christ Has Made Us Free
What is freedom? Of course, we want freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of petition, freedom from poverty, freedom of education, freedom from discrimination; but, what a human government gives, it can also take away. Christ clearly defined what freedom is. “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32 KJV). The Jews objected to His reasoning. “We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest Thou, Ye shall be made free?” (8:33). True freedom is freedom from the bondage of sin — not just the eternal death penalty of sin, but the necessity to have to commit sin. And, sin prevents us from dwelling in God’s house forever. “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (8:34-36). Evidently, we need to continually renew our credentials of freedom by constant reliance on Christ for everything! “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1). LORD, may Your Spirit direct us in the way of liberty and freedom. Teach us to discern between the freedom human governments give that may be taken away, and the true freedom that endures as long as You endure. Thank you from liberating us from the necessity to sin! In Jesus’ name, amen.
We Need A Miracle 