He Raises the Poor

Ezra 4; Psalms 113, 127; Luke 9 

“The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens…He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people.”

Psalm 113:4, 7, 8

“Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the least among you all - he is the greatest.’”

Luke 9:47, 48

The most powerful and exalted being in the universe is also the most humble and he loves humility in the lives of his disciples. Justice requires humility because we must see the intrinsic value of people, regardless their station in life. The Lord God loves to break the cycle of poverty and elevate the poor and needy. He loves to give honor to the least, the last, and the lost. His disciples argued about greatness and competed (they still do), while Jesus honoured a child in their midst.

Do we value humility and justice like our Lord and leader, or do we mirror the class structure, racism, and intolerance of our society?

It’s a journey of transformation to become like our Lord, and it’s only possible if we die to self every day, inviting the loving power of the Holy Spirit to fill us with Christ’s nature and love.

“Lord Jesus, make me more like you, for your glory.”