Poor Jesus

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9   Jesus was poor. He owned nothing, but had everything He needed. He borrowed boats, donkeys, food and lodging. He lived on borrowed time—then died and was buried in a borrowed tomb. The son of God was born from a virgin womb and buried in a virgin tomb. Christ Jesus voluntarily gave up His riches in glory in exchange for the poverty of mankind on earth. Grace comes at the great expense of Jesus giving up all for all people. It is the riches of God’s grace and forgiveness that are the true riches. Any other riches that compete with Christ’s riches are idols of insecurity. Indeed, it is better for us to be poor in the eyes of the world and remain rich in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. It is futile and frustrating to chase the undependable wealth of the world, when we can rest and revel in the riches of seeking first the Kingdom of God. Grace exhibits generosity. “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” James 2:5 Has pride in your socioeconomic status caused you to feel superior to those with less of this world’s stuff? If so, your possessions have become a stumbling block to seeking God’s kingdom first. Are you more fearful of losing your things than you are in losing  the Lord’s favor on your life? These are the false beliefs and behaviors that cause cultural Christians to lose their luster for Christ. True riches trust in Jesus alone. It is better to be poor but rich in grace, than to be rich and poor in grace. Moreover, a man or woman in poverty, who is motivated by greed, is much worse off than the rich who are generous in their charitable deeds and gifts. So, our priority is to follow the example of Jesus not allowing material goods to master our coming and going. When we are free from financial trappings, we are free to trust the one worthy of our trust, Jesus Christ, whose simple life compels us to live uncomplicated lives for His Kingdom’s sake. “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” Luke 9:57-58 Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to seek You first, above any financial allurements