The Poor Rich

Can someone live in absolute poverty and be filled with the riches of God? Is it possible to have all the money in the world and still be impoverished?

It has been said, “Some people are so poor, all they have is money.” 

We can be impoverished economically and be rich in God—possessing the kingdom of God and all God has for us. 

In his general letter, James says, “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?” (James 2:5, ESV). 

James echoes his half-brother’s teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, when Jesus taught, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20, ESV). 

In Luke’s gospel account, Jesus also taught, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32, ESV).

In God’s upside down kingdom, the poor have the riches of God. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy. Even the poor are satisfied and experience the lavish luxury and providence of God.

May we experience the blessing of the riches of God and his kingdom as we trust in God in our poverty. 

A Collect for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, (Proper 19): “O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 2019). 

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