“How often is the poor man’s cottage the palace of God”

Have you ever been dirt poor, wondering where your next meal was going to come from? The words from the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” were your words because you couldn’t see beyond the moment. Like the widow in Elijah’s day, having only a handful of flour and a little oil, the cupboard is empty and the money spent (1 Kings 17:8-17). So often the feelings of frustration and helplessness are compounded in family settings, parents ensuring that their children are fed first. It is in these moments where we learn that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble” (Ps.46:1).

Religion In Its Simplistic Form

Some in the Christian world believe that poverty is a curse. They argue that the blessings of God should make one rich, equating wealth with financial riches and ease of life. And yet, “has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him?” (James 1:5).

A mother, with children to feed and empty cupboards, has learned that God is her ever present help in her time of need. She sets the table, not just in hope but in faith, trusting that “He who sent the ravens to feed the prophet” (1 Kings 17:1ff); He who sent angels to minister to Jesus (Mt.4:11), also cares for her and she can trust Him, because “the just will live by faith” (Hab.2:4). And she is not disappointed. The knock at the door, a gift of groceries, an expression of thanksgiving, the calling of the children to the table and grace offered in praise. “Give us this day” has again been answered.

The church gathers. It’s now time for the offering. For some the plate will pass unimpeded; others will place sealed envelopes or large bills. As it nears an elderly lady, she reaches into her small change bag. Fingering the two small coins, she gives thanks to her heavenly Father, who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field (Mt.6:25-34), as she drops these silently on the plate. The Greek word “bios” represents all that she has to provide for her needs. Others give from their excess. She gives from her poverty (Luke 21:1-4) and yet, knowing that He holds her tomorrows, she can trust Him.

The Grace Of God Bestowed On The Churches

The apostle Paul called this “the grace of God bestowed” on the poor (1 Cor.8:1). Though living with great trials of affliction and deep poverty, the churches in Macedonia had an abundance of joy that abounded in the riches of their liberality” (vs.2). How can this be? Joy? Liberality? Abundance? Grace? Because they knew that this world was not their home. Their citizenship was in heaven; their hope was in a returning Saviour (Phil.3:20-21). They chose Kingdom values over earthly pleasures (Heb.12:22-24).

Maybe the lessons of life are not to be found among the wealthy or famous, whether secular or Christian. Maybe these are to be found among the poor, among those who have little of these worlds goods but are “rich in faith”. Maybe it’s selling off much of what we have, living with less and giving to the poor (Mt.19:16-22). Maybe it’s moving away from the trappings of virtually unused church buildings to more pristine expressions of our Christian faith. Maybe it’s doing church different from what we have known. Maybe then we might see revival.

“If we want to see religion in its most simple and pure character, we must look for it among the poor of this world, who are rich in faith”

Blessings!

Quotations are from “The Dairyman’s Daughter”.