Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Is it easier for poor people to be saved, than for rich people? The answer of course must be No; but the Bible is very clear that poor people are blessed more than the rich! Jesus loved both rich and poor, but He had nicer things to say to the poor. For example, He says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:3). Do you know very many rich people who are "poor in spirit"? Again, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" (vs. 5). Or, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (vs. 10).
The word "blessed" means "happy." Not happy in the sense of fun and games, but happy with that deep inward sense of peace, living in the sunshine of God's favor. I've known many poor people in Africa who lacked what you think are the basics of comfort, who were happy because they had found the Bible and a faith in Christ, who loved to study and to learn the plan of salvation and who rejoiced in spiritual life. They endured what we would call grinding poverty, and smiled, and they loved, and they would share their little with you in gracious hospitality. How could they be happy with so little of this world's goods? The answer is, those Beatitudes of Jesus; they had to be fulfilled!
The Father of our Lord Jesus is pledged to "bless" the poor who appreciate His love. The Bible is full of encouragement for poor people: "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and delivered him out of all his troubles" (Psalm 34:6). "Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth. ... The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing [there is no promise that you'll never get sick, but there is the promise that the Lord will be your attending Physician and your special duty Nurse, for] Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness" (Psalm 41:1-3).
Are you poor? Be thankful for the special blessings the Lord has promised you, and rejoice. It may well be that the Lord is favoring you especially so that you will be that much more happy in the kingdom of heaven. The ticket for entrance is that list of "blesseds" that Jesus enunciated in Matthew 5. You can be sure that if you can be truly happy in heaven, you will be admitted, for "whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17). Are you rich? Please read 2 Corinthians 8:9. There's hope for you, too!
Copyright © 2009 by Robert J. Wieland
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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Daily Bread - Readings about life and the Word of God.
