The economy was a big part of last night’s debate, including the increase in the number of Americans living in poverty.
In one of Jesus’ parables, a rich man had a splendid house. Out on the curb was a beggar named Lazarus. When both died, the poor man went to heaven, the rich man to hell. “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received good things, while Lazarus received bad things” (Luke 16:25).
Jesus has a heart for poor people, but it’s not because they’re poor. It’s because poverty tends to strip away all our complementary self-illusions.
A little church in Wernegerode, Germany has the carving of a naked man. When I asked about it, I was told it’s a reminder we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out.
Do you see yourself naked before God? The 17th century writer Francois Fenelon: “Convicted of our helplessness, we have no confidence in ourselves, and yet we have unbounded confidence in God. These are the true foundations of the spiritual edifice.” (Talking with God, p. 22)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3).
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