Deuteronomy 15:11 - Why Do Some People Live in Poverty

Deuteronomy 15:11
For the poor will never cease in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

Message:  Why Do Some People Live in Poverty

Time: Moses wrote the Book of Deuteronomy. It is a collection of sermons given during the 40-day period prior to Israel’s entering the Promised Land. The year was 1406 B.C.

What the Lord is Saying: This is an interesting verse an idea. It states, the poor will never cease in the land. This is the context from verses 7-11:

“If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need whatever he lacks. Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,’ and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the Lord against you, and it will be a sin in you. You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. For the poor will never cease in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’

This is an interesting set of verses, reminding us to help those that are less fortunate. I don't exemplify this sort of attitude, but rather focus on what I can acquire. 

God will never make all people equal in this world. There will always be some with more, some with less. And my response therefore is: You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.There are two different types of people mentioned here: the poor and the needy.  The “poor” are in humble circumstances; the “needy” are actually in want.

There is a relationship we have with the poor. It is a permanent relationship, not simply momentary.   

Promise: To be wise stewards of God's resources, we must provide real help to people who are truly in need.

Prayer: Lord, help me to help others in need. The needs are great and there are many in need and yet there is too much of a desire in my life to acquire more than I probably need. Those that need help often live much simpler lives and yet I am often foregoing their needs for my own. Help me to be wise and look our for those in need.