“This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and
saved him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:6 NKJV).
A little book of sermons, Mr. Jones Meets the Master, by Peter Marshall was edited by his wife, Catherine. One of the stories in that book, “By Invitation of Jesus,” tells of a magnificent banquet where limousines were sent to fetch the guests, while fine food was served by butlers carrying silver trays covered in white linen. People of the streets, even from the gutters and institutions, were invited, and each was perplexed about the purpose. Each received his invitation to the event with the simple little note, “By invitation of Jesus,” and each was curious what that could mean. Written for the world as well as for Christians, this account acts as a mirror for those who would despise the poor. The lesson is based on Jesus’ words in the book of Luke.
Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14)
God’s poor have little or no wealth and few if any possessions; they lack financial or other resources to make their lives bearable. Although the poor will remain a part of every society (Deuteronomy 15:11; Matthew 26:11), the Scriptures (both Old and New testaments) instruct the righteous to show concern for them. We are God’s messengers, God’s ambassadors.
Our Heavenly Father cares especially for the poor, which was demonstrated in His deliverance of Israel from Egyptian poverty and bondage (Deuteronomy 24:22). In turn, God required the Israelites to punish the oppressors of the poor and reward those who were kind to them. His inspired Word tells us God Himself is their Protector and Savior. “If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot…” (Exodus 22:23-24; see also Deuteronomy 15:9; 24:15; 1 Samuel 2:8; Job 31:16; Psalm 9:18; 12:5; Proverbs 19:17; Isaiah 25:4). Again, He says plainly, “If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them” (Ecclesiastes 5:8).
God takes up the cause of the poor. The Psalms repeatedly emphasize that God helps them; “He will spare the poor and needy…” (Psalm 72:13). He promises, “…I will satisfy her poor with bread” (Psalm 132:15). The poor of the world can take comfort in the fact that God indeed cares for them.
Jesus also demonstrated compassion for the poor (Luke 6:20). Luke relates Christ’s purpose in coming to the world as prophesied in the book of Isaiah. “…The Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor…” (Isaiah 61:1); “…He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor…” (Luke 4:18). Jesus instructed the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and “to distribute to the poor” (Luke 18:22). No true disciple of Jesus can remain unconcerned about the poor of the world.
Instructions about considerate treatment of the poor are found in the Old Testament Law, the Prophets and the New Testament. The Law and the Prophets warned against oppressing the poor and crushing the needy (Deuteronomy 24:14; Proverbs 14:31; Amos 2:6; 4:1). Rich people were warned not to take advantage of the poor, especially in court. “You shall not pervert the judgment of your poor in his dispute” (Exodus 23:6; Amos 5:12). Help was to be given to the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Isaiah 58:7). The Israelites (and we) are to see God’s action of providing the underprivileged with food and clothing, following His example (Deuteronomy 10:18).
The extent to which God identifies with the poor is clear (Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 25:34-40). Jesus’ instructions that the poor should be invited when a feast is prepared (Luke 14:12-14) and Paul’s intent to remember the poor (Galatians 2:10) are very clear. James warned against discrimination against the poor (James 2:2-4; Leviticus 19:15).
Do we invite our friends and neighbors to a feast and forget the poor? God will hear their cry and answer. Will you?
