Day 15

Day 15 – August 22nd, 2021 – Birgitta Kruzan

Luke 6:20-21

And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

After reading this scripture passage, I thought about the Onobasulu people, a small group living off the land in a remote jungle area in Papua New Guinea. I lived with them a while back and many of the people didn’t have money for school or medical care. Malnutrition affected most of the population. In my time with them, I attended many funerals for people who died before they even turned sixty years old. Funerals were accompanied by loud wailing. In fact, babies were not usually given a name for three months after they were born, because so many died before their first year.

Despite all their suffering, I witnessed their trust and reliance on the Lord. I experienced with them a revival in which there was much rejoicing and reconciliation with enemies. Somehow their vegetable gardens fed not only their families but all the guests who came from other areas as well. 

In many societies around the world, wealth, abundance and putting on a good face, will generate power and influence. In this scripture passage, God encourages downtrodden and forgotten people with hope, satisfaction, and joy. Here God illustrates that in His Kingdom the power dynamic is turned upside down. 

Some people believe these verses mean physical needs and sorrows will transfer into spiritual needs, and that one’s awareness of their own weaknesses will help to open up their hearts to receive Jesus. However, I have met rich people with hearts on fire for Jesus and poor people who live in utter spiritual darkness. So, I don’t believe that Jesus is glorifying poverty, hunger or sorrow. But I do think God is saying He has not forgotten people who are experiencing suffering and He alone offers real hope. 

Dear Lord, 

Help us to see ourselves and others with your eyes. 

Help us to hear ourselves and others with your ears. 

Help us to love ourselves and others with your heart. 

Help us to trust and depend on you. 

Help us to help others and guide them to you, Lord and Savior.

Amen.