The Lord loves righteousness and justice. Psalm 33:5

You know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9  

When we think about being rich, we probably think about having lots and lots of money. Money so that we can buy anything we want, do anything we want and just enjoy. Interesting to read how often those with lots of money and material possessions are unhappy, while many who have little are content and happy. When Paul writes about Jesus going from rich to poor he really isn’t talking about money itself. There are other currencies in life besides – things like justice, and kindness, and friendship.  

Jesus did go from an exalted to position to a humble one. As we heard this week, “(Jesus) who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;” (Philippians 2:6-7) Why would He do this? Why would anyone do that? We can look at the Psalm for one answer – the Lord loves righteousness and justice, something not being seen often in the world. God can seem very distant and far above us humans, might there be a good way to communicate love and grace and inspire justice? God’s solution is to become one of us.  

Jesus came to live among us, as one of us. He came into a culture and society that was mostly poor – not as a king but as one of us. Able to communicate with us as equals, in a form that enabled us to receive the riches that God wants for all of us. Not lots of money or possessions, but a life of love, generosity and kindness. We may or may not be rich in the world’s terms, but we are rich in what God has given us. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can respond in generosity, and work for justice as God intends.    

God of all, your love for making things right is incomprehensible. You made Christ poor to make us rich. What an amazing gift! Your great love encourages us when so much of our lives are consumed with unrighteousness. Send your Holy Spirit to remind us of your generous act so we can be rich to others. Show us that self-sacrificing love—yours and ours—enriches your world with mercy and peace. Amen.  

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party