By Rev Okoth Otura

In the Deuteronomy 15:4 Moses states, “there should be no poor among you”, in essence Moses created the basis of which many societies have built their dreams of ending poverty. In fact this became the goal of the Socialist governments worldwide, which was demonstrated during Apostle Paul’s ministry, whereas the Greeks looked backward to a golden age in which all property was public.

In Church History we find that Pythagoras is said to have practised it with his disciples, while Plato incorporated this ideal in his vision of a utopian or prefect republic, and further, a few miles east of Jerusalem, the Essene leaders of the Qumran community were committed to the common ownership of property.

In the book of 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13 Apostle Paul sent an appeal letter to the Corinthians believers to raise humanitarian relief support for the needy in Jerusalem Church, this is the kind of love and caring  that is currently lacking among the wealthiest Christians Churches or Nations today.

In the Book of Deuteronomy 26:12, the Almighty God commanded that HIS people care for the poor, and thus all the Israelites were required by law to give a tenth of their produce to “the Levite, the alien, the fatherless and the widow” regardless of their status, and henceforth, the New Testament doesn’t specify an amount, how can Spirit-filled believers possibly give less, but we are bound to do the same.

The beloved Apostle John also wrote in 1 John 3:17 that “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? “

It is recorded in Act 4:34 that in the early New Testament church, “there were no needy persons among them” Read also Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37 vs 42b.

In all this we learned that in union with Christ, members gather together to support and love each other and are one in heart and mind. Does the Mega and Spirit-filled churches love, care and sharing with poor among their community?

Again in the book Acts 2:44-45 it is recorded that all the believers were together and had everything in common. (45) Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need, while in Acts 4:32-35 is written that no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. (33)… (34)

There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales (35) and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

The bottom line of this golden Rule all able people or Nations must are obligated to care for the poor, the needy, and the stranger.

I hope you will give this message a thoughtful mind and see how you can make it a practice to assist the needy in your midst. I remain and please take time and also read the below scriptures for your spiritual nourishment. Be assured of our love and Prayers always.

Your 3-Day Bible Reading…

Option One 
Morning Reading: 31 May: 2 Chronicles 13, 14
1 Jun: 2 Chronicles 15, 16
2 Jun: 2 Chronicles 17, 18 

Evening Reading: 31 May: John 12: 1-26
1 Jun: John 12: 27-50
2 Jun: John 13: 1-20 

Option Two 
Old Testament: 31 May: 2 Samuel 17:1-29
1 Jun: 2 Samuel 18:1 - 19:10
2 Jun: 2 Samuel 19:11 - 20:13 

New Testament: 31 May: John 19:23-42
1 Jun: John 20:1-31
2 Jun: John 21:1-25 

Psalms: 31 May: Psalm 119:132-155
1 Jun: Psalm 119:156-176
2 Jun: Psalm 120:1-7 
Proverbs: 31 May: Proverbs 16:12-13
1 Jun: Proverbs 16:14-15
2 Jun: Proverbs 16:16-17