Gifts to Our World

Mark 10:17-31 (King James Version)

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?

18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.

20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.

21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

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This is one of my favourites. Especially the part which says 'Jesus...loved him' and '...give to the poor'

Jesus could have said, "Go, sell all you owned and give to me. My treasurer is over there."

He could also have said, "Go, sell all you owned and give to God, meaning me."

He could even had said, "Go, sell all you owned and give to the synagogue."

But Jesus said, "....give to the poor."

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This is one of my favourite verses because it tells me that Christ cares for us as God cares for the sparrows.

And it is comforting that the Father did not desire involuntary poverty to fall upon us.

And God has no wish for others to remain poor.

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Deuteronomy 15:4 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

4 "There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD is certain to bless you in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance

Therefore we believe that God wants everyone to live in dignity.

That Jesus himself is not concerned about his own wealth.

But He is concerned about the plight of those who lived in poverty, both of the spirit and of the flesh.

Thus when we thank God for His goodness to us, we must also be aware that He wants all to live without lack.

And the story of the poor rich man tells us that Jesus considers concern for the poor to be one part of the spice that makes for perfection in His sight.

Jesus did not make manna rain from heaven to feed the poor. Instead He asked the rich man to give to the poor.

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If we have blessed you, please consider blessing others:

(1) There are many Christian organizations that handle money responsibly to alleviate poverty.

(2) Your home church may also have social programs to help the needy.

(3) You may even meet someone on the street whom God tells you that he/she is in need.

(4) There are a few hundred millions on our planet who lived in hunger each day because they do not have enough food to eat. Find a responsible charity* that is as concerned about this as you are. And work with them to feed these people.

*there are too many people running non-profit charities and religious organizations for their own benefit. A national charity was uncovered to have passed only 10% of public donations to the intended recipients. Another charity's founder took more than 50% of donations as his salary. Please do your own due diligence and pray for a special gift of knowledge on the motives of people around you.

(5) What if you yourself are in lack?

Give the poor a prayer.

Give them a genuine smile of concern.

Give them a helping hand.

With whatever you can, give to them - for the love of the Father.

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Bless them so that they can see your goodness and thank the Father.

Even if they cannot see your goodness, never mind. Bless them anyway and bask in the smiles of the Father upon you.