Poverty And Love

2 Corinthians 8:9 LEB “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, for your sake he became poor, in order that you, by his poverty, may become rich.”

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Though He was rich He became poor so that we may become rich? Wow! And He died so that we may live? Wow again! Isn’t it interesting how God works? For the greater good of others? No wonder we are commanded to follow in His steps. (1 Peter 2:21) Following Jesus is a difficult road because it involves becoming unselfish. This is why Jesus says only a few ever find it. (Matthew 7:14) 

How many folks will allow themselves to become poor so that others may become rich? The apostles did it. The early church did as well. They gave up everything to follow Jesus. (Matthew 19:27-30) The apostle Paul was a well-to-do Pharisee. He left that life. His new life of self-sacrifice in Christ led him to become homeless. (1 Corinthians 4:9-11) How many people do you know would do that? (1 Corinthians 11:1) How many people would die so that others may live, like Jesus and the early church did? It’s recorded that a few Christians throughout time have been willing to pay the ultimate price. Again, Paul and the other apostles gave their lives for Christ. (Revelation 12:11) It’s documented that all except the apostle John were killed for the gospel. They boiled John in water but he wouldn’t die. He was also exiled and separated from society for his witness about Jesus. (Revelation 1:9) What kind of person would willingly go through so much pain and suffering for God? Only those who appreciate the pain and suffering God went through for them. Only those who learn what it means to follow Jesus Christ. Only those who love Him. (John 15:12-13)

THE POOR SUFFERING CHURCH OF SMYRNA

Revelation 2:8-11 LEB “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: “This is what the first and the last says, who was dead and came to life: ‘I know your affliction and poverty (but you are rich), and the slander of those who call themselves Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison so that you may be tested, and you will experience affliction ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will never be harmed by the second death.”

Ahh Smyrna, the poor suffering church. This is one of the churches Jesus was proud of. How poor was the church of Smyrna? The Greek word for poor or poverty in Revelation 2:9, “ptōcheia,” means beggary. It doesn’t mean having little or no money. This word denotes the destitution of being unable to work and begging for help to live. It’s interesting how brethren around the world are facing this today. And why? Because of economic persecution for refusing to take the DNA editing so-called vaccine. (Revelation 13:16-17) Did you know that the same Greek word, “ptōcheia,”  is used in 2 Corinthians 8:9. That’s the passage that describes the destitution of Jesus Christ when He was on earth? You mean Jesus allowed Himself to be that poor so that we could become rich? He sure did. And the Smyrna Christians also shared in the poverty and sufferings of Christ. 

You do know that the church of Smyrna is not just a church that existed in Asia Minor about 2000 years ago. The book of Revelation applies to our day. There are (few) modern-day Smyrna-like Christians. Their life of self-sacrifice for the cause of Christ means they too are deprived. They are ostracized, vilified, and criticized because of Jesus’ name. (Matthew 10:22) Hatred for the truth is the main reason why they are poor. But Jesus says they are rich! (Revelation 2:9) How different they are from worldly Christians. Carnal believers only care about their materialistic lifestyles. Carnal Christians want to fit in with the world, at all costs. 

James 1:9-11 LEB “Now let the brother of humble circumstances boast in his high position, but the rich person in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a flower of the grass. For the sun rises with its burning heat and dries up the grass, and its flower falls off, and the beauty of its appearance is lost. So also the rich person in his pursuits will wither away.”

The world hates real followers of Jesus. They are shunned by family, friends, and society in general. Real believers lose their social networks. Not having support from family, friends, etcetera also contributes to poverty. It can even cause, “ptōcheia;” destitution to the point of beggary. This Satanic system hates Jesus hence it must hate us too. (John 15:18-21) But the world loves a phony Christian. It loves people who tell them how blessed they are and flatter them all the time. People tolerate Christians who don’t step on their toes by telling them the truth. They enjoy Christians who agree with their wicked behavior. Hence they are not persecuted and are allowed to function normally in society. It’s like a reward for toning it down or keeping quiet about God altogether. Which Christian are we? Are we like the self-sacrificing church of Smyrna? The church that Jesus was pleased with? Or are we like the fakers; the synagogue of Satan? If the latter we need to repent while there is still time. 

“SELL WHAT YOU HAVE AND GIVE TO THE POOR”

Did you know that Jesus taught all His disciples to sell what they have and give to the poor? Not just the rich man who went away sad we often hear about? Again, the early church was obedient: 

Acts 4:32-35 LEB “Now the group of those who believed were one heart and soul, and no one said anything of what belonged to him was his own, but all things were theirs in common. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. For there was not even anyone needy among them, because all those who were owners of plots of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds of the things that were sold and placing them at the feet of the apostles. And it was being distributed to each as anyone had need.”

No wonder the early church was growing and busting out at the seams. They were obedient:

Acts 2:44-47 NLT “And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. [45] They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. [46] They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity- [47] all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”

Wow! They sold their houses, fields, and other possessions, and gave the money to the poor as Jesus commanded. How many church folks you know do that? A better question is: Will you and I obey Jesus’ command to, ‘Sell what we have and give to the poor?’ Yes, the road to following Jesus Christ is difficult indeed. Do you see why only a few ever find it? (Matthew 7:13-14)

Luke 12:33-34 HCSB “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Make money-bags for yourselves that won’t grow old, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I hope you have seen everything I shared with you is from God’s word. And if you think I’m a weirdo encouraging poverty check out this next passage:

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 ERV “And now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you what God’s grace has done in the churches in Macedonia. These believers have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But their great joy caused them to be very generous in their giving. I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do this. It was their idea. But they asked us again and again—they begged us to let them share in this service for God’s people. And they gave in a way that we did not expect: They gave themselves to the Lord and to us before they gave their money. This is what God wants.”

These Macedonian believers were like Jesus too. They allowed themselves to be made poor, so that others may be enriched. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

1 John 4:17 BSB “In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.”

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