October 17, 2020 -- John 12:8 -- Real Poverty Addressed

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

John 12:8 English Standard Version

What an odd statement. When I was growing up and this was read in family devotions, I remember how my mom struggled with these words. Why would Jesus say this? Jesus said this because He was present among His people for a short time. He was six days away from His crucifixion and death. It is appropriate that Mary should anoint Jesus with costly perfume. When someone, like Mary, gives herself 100% to Jesus, the result will be that the poor will be cared for as a consequence of her renewed, dedicated love to the Savior.

Of course, the poor we will always have with us for several reasons. There are people who will give themselves over to addictions to the point that they lose everything. There are people who will take risks with investments and for these reasons will become poor. There are swindlers and snake oil salesmen who will rip people off so that they lose all they have. There are Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ, who will lose everything in order to offer up their lives for Jesus.

Is poverty the worst thing a person can suffer? Not by a long stretch! The very worst thing anyone can suffer is a life lived in defiance to Jesus. Those worst, wasted life is one where a person knit together in his mother’s womb, living in the blessings of creation and drawing breath from the Creator, refuses to acknowledge the Lord of Life and wholeheartedly submit to Him.

It is not either or, for example: either I offer worship and praise to the Lord of Glory, or I give sacrificially to those in need. In fact the truth is, one leads to the other. One who is dedicated to Lord, in worship and living in view of His majesty will therefore give time, talents, resources, in service to those who are in need—whatever that need is.

Blessed Jesus, in view of the extravagant gift of Your life, lived in devoted obedience to our Father in heaven, for His glory and the salvation of the elect, empower us by Your Spirit to live for You. Amen.