Poverty

 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.

John 12:8 ESV

Taken in isolation, this verse seems harsh of Jesus, as though He's demeaning the poor. Taken in the context of Scripture however, we get a better picture of His compassion. He does however prioritise Himself over the poor.

The Mosaic Law says something similar to the first half of this verse. Again, that seems harsh out of context. Yet in the very next phrase, Moses goes on to say that we should always be generous.

Just because poverty is perennial in this life, doesn't mean to say that we can bury our heads in the sand, shrug our shoulders, and do nothing about it. We should be open handed towards the poor. We shouldn't be tight fisted with deep pockets.

The second half of this verse explains that there's a priority over even the alleviation of poverty. Tackling poverty is important. Yet the worship of the LORD Jesus Christ is even more important.

'Dear Lord, may we worship You as You deserve. Please help us also to be generous to the poor. We look forward to a day when poverty is no more, in Your perfect new creation. For the honour of Your name'.