Well Off Are the Poor
Do you think the well off in church world are those who bring about their own accomplishments? Jesus says the well off are those who know they are helpless to accomplish anything on their own.
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Luke 6:20
As Jesus spoke to a crowd of people who lived hand to mouth, they thought the well off were those who were financially blessed.
After all, hasn’t God blessed them financially, so they must be closer to God?
Poor is powerless to accomplish an end.
While this word is a physically poor type of word, Jesus uses “poor” to get their attention.
The financially well off are not automatically close to God. In fact, their finances may be what keeps them from being close to God.
Those who inherit the Kingdom are those who believe they are powerless to accomplish an end.
Church leader, do you believe you are powerless to accomplish an end?
In all your planning, strategizing, vision casting, do you believe you are powerless to actually make it all happen?
Or do you believe if you work hard enough you will become well off in church ministry because you are able to accomplish the end you want to accomplish?
Jesus doesn’t want your accomplishments.
He wants you.
He wants you in your inability to bring about the end that he wants to bring about for you, your church, your family.
And in your inability to bring about his Kingdom accomplishments, you find God gives you (inside your poverty) the entire Kingdom.