The Privilege of Poverty

"For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever;" (Ps 9: 18).  This passage comes with great assurance, especially that this very sentiment was echoed by Jesus in Matt 5: 3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," (KJV).

Being poor is really more a state of mind than merely a measure of one's material possession.  So that although the primary application of Ps 9:18 seems to be in reference to those without the material means of securing justice for themselves, and who are thus in need of an advocate - God is the poor's Advocate.   

http://www.goodsalt.com/search/results.html?search_terms=jesus+our+advocate&advanced_search=0&as=1&ps=1&sbook=&schapter=&sverse=

But there is the case where even with an abundance of material possession, there is nothing that we can do to help ourselves; we need a Saviour... an Advocate.  We must accept our poverty (as alluded to in Matt 5: 3).  Being poor in this context means that one is void of the sense of self-sufficiency as characterized Laodicea, "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." Rev. 3: 17.  But although we trust in God we still endure seasons of severe trials - almost as if we don't have anyone working on our behalf.  Sometimes we suffer only because we look to Him.  But we must never give up, but keeping looking to Him as if our lives depended on it... because our lives do.

And to know that after all the troubles and tragedies, disadvantages and disappointments that we endure in this life we end up in the Kingdom of Heaven... it'll be worth it all - albeit that we'll have to wait in humble patience.  This song captures our hope beautifully, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgogwfswZ-A.

Father, what a privilege it is to be poor – just so we become eligible for Your Advocacy.  Thank You for all these Scripture promises that keep our spirits buoyed when we're troubled.  May our hope rest in You, even as our faith and trust are exercised in Your love, justice and power.

This reading is based on Psalm 9.  To read and/or listen to Psalm 9 and to read other related blogs please click here.